TUCSON AZ - DECEMBER 02: Wide receiver Juron Criner #82 of the Arizona Wildcats is unable to catch a deep pass during the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Arizona Stadium on December 2 2010 in Tucson Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Juron Criner Will Miss Arizona Wildcats Game Against Oklahoma State
Juron Criner Will Miss Arizona Wildcats Game Against Oklahoma State
Live1 Total Update since July 1, 2011
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almost 2 years ago Update 0 comments
Juron Criner Will Play For Arizona In 2011 After Off-Field Issues
Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Juron Criner is working out on campus and is expected to be with the team when they open training camp Aug. 4, according to head coach Mike Stoops.
"We anticipate having Juron," he said. "He had some family issues that were concerning over the summer, and those are personal. We anticipate him being the same player - or a better player - than he was a year ago."
Criner was the subject of rumors ever since he missed a trip to ESPN in June, citing personal and family troubles. Rumors swirled that Criner was extremely ill, though it was stated that he had "a very erratic episode" that could have caused him to miss the season.
Now, Stoops said Criner is "fine...and ready to go."
Criner had 82 catches for 1,233 yards and 11 TDs last year and would have to be a major part of any effort to contend in the new Pac-12 in 2011.
For more on Arizona and Juron Criner, keep an eye on Arizona Desert Swarm, our Wildcats blog, and SB Nation Arizona.
almost 2 years ago Update 0 comments
Juron Criner Doesn't Have Cancer, But Could Still Miss Season
To get what could have been the worst news out of the way: No, Juron Criner does not have cancer, contrary to some rumors apparently making their way across the Interwebs. A family member is gravely ill. That leads to the possibility that, even if he's cancer-free, Criner might miss the season. The Arizona wideout recently had what a local sports anchor is calling "a very erratic episode" and got some neurological testing done.
Criner's health is the biggest concern right now to the UofA. He is going about his daily life without the pressures and responsibilities of football. And yes, there is a real possibility that Criner will miss this season entirely. But time and doctors will play a large role in determining that.
Getting to what seems like the relatively unimportant football issues: Criner had 82 catches for 1,233 yards and 11 TDs last year and would have to be a major part of any effort to contend in the new Pac-12 in 2011. But that pales in comparison to the human dimension of the drama.
For more on Arizona and Juron Criner, keep an eye on Arizona Desert Swarm, our Wildcats blog, and SB Nation Arizona.
