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11/22/2024 05:29:01 pm

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Host Hits ESPN for Lack of Coverage on College Player's Death

ESPN commentator Neil Everett was seemingly affected by the apparent lack of coverage the network did on the death of Kent State football player Jason Bitsko.
Bitsko, 21, was found dead in his bedroom last Wednesday. 
While ESPN did give 30 seconds of tribute to Bitsko's passing, Everett was sure to have some of his comments heard on how they handled the situation.

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Everett noted that players like Bitsko don't get in the headlines. "Those go to (Johnny) Manziel not starting in Cleveland and (Braxton) Miller unable to play in Ohio," he said.
His unscripted remarks were cutoff, as the picture of Bitsko onscreen was replaced by those of Manziel and Miller.
Kent State maintained that the initial police investigation into Bitsko's death indicated that no foul play. Authorities said the player died in his sleep, caused by a still undetermined medical condition. He was found dead in his campus apartment mid-morning.
When Bitsko did not show up for practice, teammates called his roommate asking where he is. Upon seeing Bitsko on his bed, his roommate immediately called 911, and the police promptly arrived just three minutes after the call was placed.
The news of Bitsko's death was broken to his teammates right after their morning practice.
Bitsko was a center for the Kent State Golden Flashes. He had played football in the position since his freshman year.
He started all 12 games of the previous season and also received an award for "exemplifying hard work and dedication."
The whole Kent State University is upset by the loss of Bitsko, as made evident by statements made by Joel Nielsen, the school's athletic director, and head coach Paul Haynes.
"As a team, we will come together and get through this one day at a time," Haynes said.
The school is even offering counselling services for those who need help coping with the situation.
As a tribute, the Golden Flashes will wear Bitsko's number, 54, on their helmets this coming season. 

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