After FSU Victory, a Heartbreaking Phone Call

Forward Phil Cofer learned his father, a former NFL player, had died after long illness
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 22, 2019 7:10 AM CDT
Updated Mar 22, 2019 8:00 AM CDT
After FSU Victory, a Heartbreaking Phone Call
Florida State's Phil Cofer (0) sits on the bench with a boot on his right foot during the second half of Thursday's game against Vermont, in Hartford, Conn.   (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

March Madness joy followed by heartbreak: Florida State senior forward Phil Cofer watched his team take victory over Vermont on Thursday only to learn immediately after the game that his father had died. Media were enjoying an open locker room period following the 76-69 win in the first round of the NCAA tournament when the phone call came in. Cofer, who sat out the game with a swollen foot, broke down in tears and did not speak with reporters, said a Florida State spokesman, per ESPN. Mike Cofer, a former Pro Bowl linebacker with the Detroit Lions, had long been suffering from amyloidosis, an incurable disease affecting organs and tissue, reports Detroit News. He was 58. (More March Madness stories.)

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