(10-5-07)

TCU end Blake overwhelmed by stress

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - TCU standout defensive end Tommy Blake
said he had to get away from football after he became overwhelmed
with stress.
Blake will miss his second straight game, and the third this
season, when the Horned Frogs play at Wyoming tomorrow. His status
is expected to be re-evaluated next week.
Blake tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he felt as if he
was putting too much emphasis on football.
Blake didn't openly discuss or disclose what has kept him off
the field. He did, however, scoff at the idea that his absence was
because of steroid use, drug abuse or plans to leave football for
life in the ministry.
The two-time All-Mountain West Conference pick who went into the
season as a top NFL prospect initially left the team during
preseason practice and went home to Aransas Pass. He returned the
next week, was held out of the season opener while on his first
medical leave. He then played three games before taking another
leave.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-10-05-07 1230EDT