'Disgusting and Pathetic': SFA Coach Fumes After 'Dirty' Play Likely Ends Captain's Career

Stephen F. Austin head coach Colby Carthel did not hold back Monday, delivering a blistering critique of a tackle he believes has prematurely ended the career of team captain Gerard Edimo. During Saturday’s matchup against Prairie View A&M, the Lumberjacks’ redshirt sophomore tight end suffered a devastating leg injury that his coach described in no uncertain terms as "disgusting" and "pathetic."

The incident occurred late in the first quarter after Edimo caught a routine pass. As he was tackled by Panthers defensive back Eric Zachery, Zachery reportedly maintained a grip on Edimo’s leg as it twisted awkwardly. Despite the severity of the injury, no flags were thrown on the play, a fact that clearly incensed Carthel.

"I’ve coached 27 years of college football, that was the second dirtiest, most unsportsmanlike play I’ve seen in my career," Carthel told reporters. "Absolutely no business in this game for a play like that. Disgusting. It’s pathetic."

Carthel expressed deep personal sadness for Edimo, a player he holds in the highest regard. "Gerard Edimo’s a great kid. I hope my son grows up to be like Gerard Edimo," the coach said. "He made a routine play, got his leg near yanked off the bone. Probably ended his career. He’s got two years left, and he’ll probably never play another snap of football because of a dirty, unsportsmanlike play that the young man got up and then made fun of him as he walked off. Disgusting. Pathetic."

Before the injury, Edimo was having a productive afternoon, recording two catches for 17 yards and a touchdown. On the season, the captain has tallied eight receptions for 106 yards and two scores. Carthel revealed that the program is now following official protocols with the NCAA and conference officials to review the play for potential punishment, though he remains stunned by the lack of an immediate penalty on the field.

The coach noted that the incident took place directly in front of the SFA bench, adding that the opposing player allegedly mocked Edimo while the tight end was clearly suffering from a major injury. "I hate it for Gerard. I hate it for our team; I hate it for our sport," Carthel added, while praising his players for not letting the situation escalate. "Kudos to our team for holding things together, that it wasn’t an all-out brawl and that we were able to finish the game without incident. But it was embarrassing. It happened right in front of an official, no call."