Stunned Blaze learn that teammate Skaggs is ailing

As Utah Blaze players were finishing up a spirited practice at the University of Utah on Friday, they were called together by their coach, Danny White, so that he could give them some discouraging news.

One of their own, wide receiver/linebacker Justin Skaggs, had been seen by a neurosurgeon and given tests showing abnormalities and swelling on his brain. While it could be nothing more than the results of a concussion, it could be as serious as a tumor.

White asked the players to remember Skaggs in their prayers. The players then knelt down in a circle, joined hands and prayed together for their teammate. Afterward, several were seen wiping tears from their eyes as they quietly left the practice field.

Suddenly, the recently halted five-game losing streak and the preparations for Monday night's ESPN2-televised home game against the Colorado Crush didn't seem nearly as important as the health of their teammate.

Blaze players and the coaching staff have been instructed to not talk about Skaggs' condition until a firm diagnosis has been made — probably Monday or Tuesday of next week if not later, according to Blaze director of communications Tom Goodhines. It's safe to say Skaggs will be unavailable for Monday's game against the Crush, however.

Skaggs, a favorite of teammates and fans alike, is known for his intensity and work ethic. He actually put in a full practice with the Blaze on Thursday but felt numbness in his hands and arms after practice and was taken to see doctors for testing. He wasn't at practice on Friday, as more tests were being taken. White found out about the inconclusive MRI results during Friday's practice session, just minutes before informing the team that it could be a serious condition.

Skaggs is a 28-year-old, married father of two young children, a boy and a girl. He played his college ball at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo., before spending the 2001 season with the Washington Redskins, seeing action in one game as a receiver.

He also played for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe and was in camp with the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Arena Football League's Orlando Predators in 2005. He has been with the Blaze for their entire two-year existence in Utah.

Skaggs caught 52 passes for 660 yards and 13 touchdowns last season with 47 tackles on the defensive side of the football. This year he has 21 catches for 196 yards and four scores on offense and 25.5 tackles on defense. He played in Utah's win over Orlando last Friday, registering three tackles.