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Toledo player quits team to care for sick fiancee

Found February 14, 2013 on Lost Lettermen: Yardbarker Blogger Network
PLAYERS: Ben Pike
TEAMS: Toledo Rockets

Via Lost Lettermen:

It’s important to have priorities.

Ben Pike, a defensive tackle at the University of Toledo, is quitting football to take care of his fiancee Ashlee Barrett, who is battling leukemia.

Barrett, a former Toledo women’s basketball player, was diagnosed in April 2012, but this January discovered the cancer had returned, and she was no longer in remission.

Pike, who has one more year of eligibility, is opting to move to St. Louis to be by Barrett’s side as she recovers from a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy.

“I know in some people’s terms, he’s giving up things,” Becky Pike, Ben’s mother, told The Cleveland Plain Dealer. “But he’s really not giving up. He’s not giving up anything. He’s really fighting for life. And he’s just turned his forces to he’s going to win a battle for life instead of winning on the football field.”

Pike and Barrett plan to marry on June 15th.

Kudos to Pike for realizing football is just a game, as we wish the best to this couple.

Photo via YouTube

More from Lost Lettermen:
Original Story: http://www.lostlettermen.com/toledo-l... Verified_ybn
34 Comments:
  • Pike has his priorities right...he deserves all the help that the yb's can gather
    by TCTCTC   February 16, 2013   Reply    
  • Yes, an individual with his head screwed on straight. Hope she recovers.
    by garabeboy   February 18, 2013   Reply    
  • Where is the University of Toldeo?
    by SammyMets827   February 16, 2013   Reply    
  • In Toledo.
    by yardbarkerfan   February 16, 2013   Reply    
  • I'm all in for this young man and prayers for Ashlee. They are both young hope she is strong enough to recover and then he can finish college. If he wants to play football and it will pay for his education, bless both of them.
    by trebor171   February 16, 2013   Reply    
  • This is a kid that has his priorities in order. I hope everything works out okay....
    by FlunkyMonkey   February 16, 2013   Reply    
  • His family, fiancee, and school should be proud of this young man. Alot of todays atheletes are to self centered to have this kind of courage.
    by ratchet0609   February 16, 2013   Reply    
  • what a pvssy! it certainly is unfortunate that she has Leukemia, but don't give up on your football dreams.
    by Cadillac   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • Cadillac, that is what you are. Bitter in your own life much? Sounds like he is following his dream and love.
    Anyone would be proud to call him their son and proud of the man he is.
    by cat1bb1   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • Not only are you heartless but it is probably why you are alone....
    by practicon   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • You sir, are a complete scumbag. How does it feel to go through life with such misery? Based on your response, you deserve nothing but darkness and ill-health in your life.
    by Anton4177   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • Are you serious, he is more of a Man then you'll ever be. Some things in life are much more important then football. What a Wonderful unselfish person he is. May God Bless them all.
    by jett57   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • @cadillac You are a sad excuse for a human being. This is something you never wish on anyone.

    I know this girl personally and have the opportunity to help coach her in college. She is one of the nicest girls you will ever meet.

    I wish her and her family the best of luck in her second round of chemo and marrow transplant.

    However, CADILLAC...you know what they say about KARMA!
    by ldy44ace   February 18, 2013   Reply    
  • Decent story about decent event for once. One kid trying to save his partner, others running the streets, clubbin / hurting people for 20 bucks.

    Kinda puts it all in perspective.
    by alldaynallnite   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • Well Said!!!
    by jett57   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • Congrats to Ben and Ashlee. Hope all works well best of luck in future
    by grampa40   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • I love football and I am sure this guy does as well but this is just a great thing he is doing! It is a game, life is not, you do what you need to do young fella and be by her side. You have people who will be praying for both of you.
    by outtahere   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • Congratulations to this wonderful young couple. Priorities! He has them in order. My prayers for them both. God Bless
    by MaggieAnne   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • This is a true man..
    by practicon   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • Good luck to you both -- God Bless.
    by Anton4177   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • Now THIS is what life is all about...instead of this guy finishing his college career he is foregoing it to do what's really important...taking care of his future wife and showing many others what IS of real value in the world...this guy deserves one of those medals the Prez gives out for outstanding accomplishments in life...go Ben & Ashlee !!!!
    by BigRedOne1950   February 17, 2013   Reply    
  • The dedication to his love is admirable. However, I believe this decision was an emotional one and not one of practicality. The reality of this whole situation is that this gal is going to need so much care and assistance dealing with this debilitating disease.The money this young man could potentially earn for his participation in football would go a long way towards caring for this woman he plans to marry (and become financially responsible for). His love and dedication are inspirational, we all appreciate the difficulty of the decisions being made at this time. However, calmer heads need to prevail if there is any hope for a decent future together. My heart goes out to you all, good luck in all your endeavors.
    by vickie98531   February 18, 2013   Reply    
  • Where Te'o was the worst boyfriend ever (assuming what he says is even true), this guy is one of the best. Wishing your girlfriend a speedy and full reoovery and that you can continue with your football career.
    by OHGirl   February 18, 2013   Reply    
  • Cadillac is a clown in his own little circus! The NFL needs guys like this guy!
    by Marlinslayer   February 18, 2013   Reply    
  • Hopefully the NCAA will grant Ben a hardship waiver so he can return to play his final year after sitting out this year if that is what he wants to do. It is the right thing to do, which is why I am skeptical that the NCAA will do it!
    by RiceDoc   February 18, 2013   Reply    
  • Ben Pike is a man. May God bless him and fiancee.
    by rjr2012   February 18, 2013   Reply    
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Via FootBasket  |  February 14, 2013

Ben Pike, a defensive end for the University of Toledo Rockets, is quitting football so he can provide care for his fiancée, who has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Toledo DE Ben Pike Gives Up Football To Care For Leukemia-Stricken Fiancee’

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Toledo defensive end Ben Pike may not have been an All American, but his name was on the radar of NFL scouts.  That’s what makes this story even more amazing. Cleveland.com is reporting that the Rockets star defensive end is walking away from football to take care of his Leukemia stricken fiancée’ Ashlee Barrett. Pike and Barrett first learned that she was battling Leukemia...
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