go to MSN.com
College Football  >>  Toledo Rockets
Sergio-garcia-apology
Sergio Garcia publicly apologizes to Tiger Woods for fried chicken joke
Michael-strem
High school pitcher only needs 66 pitches to throw perfect game
Spiderman
Andrew Garfield hoops it up dressed as Spider-Man
Miami-marlins-spitball-570x305
Marlins pitcher Alex Sanabia spits all over the baseball
Chapman
Pastries to blame for Aroldis Chapman's blown save?

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    
THE BACKYARD
RELATED ARTICLES
AMAZING STORY

Player quitting football for fiancée

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’

Via BlackSportsOnline  |  February 14, 2013
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...

Toledo DE Ben Pike Gives Up Football To Care For Leukemia-Stricken Fianceé Ashlee Barrett

Via Thacover2  |  February 14, 2013
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...
RUMORS & GOSSIP
GET IN THE RING

WWE wants cut NFL players

In a recent interview, Jim Ross says the WWE is actively looking at players who have been cut from NFL teams to fill out the WWE roster. 

Via The Victory Formation Verified_ybn
10 hours ago  | 
ARRIVEDERCI, VINNY

Sterling: Del Negro let go to keep CP3

On Wednesday, when asked about not re-signing coach Vinny Del Negro, Clippers owner Donald Sterling all but admitted the move was made to keep his superstar point guard in town. 

Via BlackSportsOnline Verified_ybn
6 hours ago  | 
SCAPEGOATING TIME?

Mattingly throws Ethier under bus?

Embattled Dodgers manager Don Mattingly pulled starting right fielder Andre Ethier from Wednesday's lineup and his explanation for why he did was intriguing.

Via The Outside Corner Verified_ybn
6 hours ago  | 
TROUBLING STORY

Canseco claims he was accused of rape

On Wednesday, Jose Canseco tweeted numerous details regarding how he has been accused of rape and then promptly deleted the tweets.

Via Hall of Very Good Verified_ybn
6 hours ago  | 
BAD NEWS

Report: Crabtree has torn Achilles

49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree reportedly suffered a torn Achilles during organized team activities on Tuesday and could be done for the season.

Via Next Impulse Sports Verified_ybn
6 hours ago  | 
START YOUR ENGINES

Harbaugh to drive Indy 500 pace car

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has been selected as driver of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car at this weekend's Indy 500.

Via Sports-Glory Verified_ybn
12 hours ago  | 
A NEW MAN

Dez Bryant: 'I've found myself'

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Byrant believes that all his trouble off the field could be in the past and credits the turnaround with being "comfortable with my life."

Via Helmet2Helmet Verified_ybn
20 hours ago  | 
BRIAN'S SONG

Urlacher announces his retirement

Longtime Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher announced his retirement on Wednesday, writing, "I leave with no regrets."

Via Tireball.com Verified_ybn
9 hours ago  | 
UH-OH

Harper ripped by teammate after loss

Nationals reliever Rafael Soriano questioned Bryce Harper's defensive positioning on a game-tying triple that tied the game in the ninth inning that ultimately led to a loss.

Via The Victory Formation Verified_ybn
11 hours ago  | 
HEY JOE

Namath unhappy with Jets again

Jets legend Joe Namath is back at it, again criticizing his former team. This time, he's saying that the team wasted a draft pick on Geno Smith.

Via The Other Paper Verified_ybn
12 hours ago  | 
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers

Join the Yardbarker Network for more promotion, traffic, and money.
Company Info
Help
What is Yardbarker?

Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.

© 2013 Microsoft