One of the biggest subplots to get little play throughout this offseason is in regards to government projections that an H1N1 epidemic could potentially sweep the country this fall.
It’s entirely conceivable that the swine flu, as it’s affectionately called, could -- could -- play a role in a handful of key games this season. At least. Provided, of course, the projections play out in real life in the coming months like they’re currently projecting on PowerPoint presentations.
With that as a backdrop, at least ten members of the Alabama football team have been hit with flu-like symptoms this week. Included in that total is All-American defensive tackle Terrance Cody.
Cody has missed the past two days of practice, although it’s unclear at this time if it’s the H1N1 version of the bug.
“The guys that have had it, we have quarantined, kept in isolation so that they would not spread it to other guys,” head coach Nick Saban said. “I’m no doctor. I’m not a physician. I don’t really want to compare or predict because I really don’t know, but the guys that have been sick, they have been sick for two or three days.”
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a team-wide breakout this offseason; both Duke and Tulane have been hit hard with the flu -- swine and otherwise.
Given projections of 30-50% of the country coming down with the swine flu by the time influenza season gets into full swing, it’s a factor that could come into play at some point this season for a multitude of teams.
