Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel ponders his next move during a timeout, while injured QB James Franklin (1) looks on from the sidelines. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
Following Missouri’s 24-20 win over Arizona State, did head coach Gary Pinkel publicly send a message to quarterback James Franklin that he needs to toughen up? I’ll let you listen and decide for yourself. Pinkel said during a TV interview, prior to the start of the game, that Franklin declined to take a pain-killing shot and declared he was not able to play in the game. Pinkel followed up on those comments in his post game press conference, saying, that there was no structural damage to his shoulder and that, “It was just too painful for him to play and he didn’t want to play.”
Pinkle routinely states in press conferences that all injury decisions are made by the medical staff and the players, and the coaches have no say in that process. However, Pinkel did appear to back off from his earlier, harsh tones, when a reporter asked Pinkel if he questioned Franklin’s toughness, “No, no questions about his toughess at all. We saw him play last year (against Arizona State).
AUDIO Pinkel on Franklin (2:00)