Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin rears back to throw against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 8, 2012. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being no doubt that James Franklin will play this Saturday at South Carolina, Mizzou’s quarterback gives himself a nine. His shoulder was too sore to play against Arizona State. Franklin and his family don’t agree with taking pain medication, such as cortisone shots to mask the pain. His father spoke publicly about it as well. Franklin himself said he’s just not comfortable taking medication because he wants to feel the pain to understand the full extent of his injury. It appears his teammates respected his decision and Franklin tells us he got the support of offensive coordinator David Yost.

AUDIO Franklin on not taking pain killers (1:20)

What about the support of his head coach? I asked Gary Pinkel if he was surprised that he would be asked a question (by a sideline reporter), whether or not a player had taken a pain killing shot before a game? Pinkel said he tried to answer the question as honestly as he could. On Monday, his tune seemed to change a little bit from his original comments following the game on Saturday night. Pinkel said anyone who questions Franklin’s toughness must be in a coma. Was the source of Pinkel’s frustration more from the fact that it took so  long to make that final decision? Pinkel said he notified Corbin Berkstresser six or seven minutes before the start of the game that he was making the start.

AUDIO Pinkel supports Franklin (2:00)

In case you were wondering, after Franklin underwent shoulder surgery this spring, did he use painkillers?  He did, but for only two days.

AUDIO Franklin on “white Tic-Tacs”