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N.C. State coach: Irving out indefinitely

Friday, July 24, 2009

(Updated 9:07 am)

By The Charlotte Observer

DURHAM (MCT) — Coach Tom O'Brien gave a somber assessment of N.C. State linebacker Nate Irving's status Thursday.

Irving is out indefinitely, and O'Brien said he won't know more about Irving's status until after the player's next appointment with doctors in mid-August.

O'Brien said if doctors clear Irving to return this season, the coaches will allow him to play because he already has used a redshirt year.

But there's a chance Irving could miss the entire season.

"This is a medical decision," O'Brien said. "I have nothing to do with this. Once the doctors tell us he's cleared to go, if we're still playing football, he will play."

Irving, who will be a junior this season, was cited for careless and reckless driving after a one-car wreck June 28 on Interstate 40 in Johnston County. A police report mentioned driving while sleepy as a potential contributing factor. Irving suffered a broken leg and a collapsed lung.

Irving led the team with four interceptions last season and made 84 tackles despite missing about one-third of the season because of injuries.

O'Brien's comments at the annual Triangle Pigskin Preview banquet were his first update on Irving.