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Kentucky linebacker Chris Oats has been hospitalized in Cincinnati with a serious medical issue, according to Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones.
It’s unclear what the issue is, but the report does say that Oats is expected to move to a physical rehabilitation center soon.
The school has released the following statement:
“Chris Oats is in the hospital due to a medical issue. The family has asked us to confirm that the issue is not related to Covid 19. Chris is expected to move to a physical rehabilitation center in the near future. The family requests that their privacy be respected during this time.”
Jones added this on Twitter:
The Chris Oats news is very sad and serious. I would ask all Kentucky fans to please keep him in your prayers.
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 22, 2020
This past season as a true sophomore, Oats played in 12 of Kentucky’s 13 games with two starts vs. Mississippi State and Missouri. He finished the season with 46 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble.
Oats was expected to be a key member of Kentucky’s defense and replace the departing Kash Daniel as the starting middle linebacker next season. But football doesn’t begin to compare to the young man’s well-being, which is all that truly matters right now during this scary situation.
We will update this story if any more details come out.
For now, our thoughts and prayers go out to Oats and his family.