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Fran McCaffery discusses outpouring of support following Patrick McCaffery’s leave of absence
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Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery lost a valuable player as Patrick McCaffery left the team to address his mental health, but ultimately McCaffery believes his player and son is making the best decision for his own sake.
Patrick, who is averaging 12.8 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game, was met with an outpouring of support for his decision and Fran reflected on that Tuesday.
“The outpouring of support in terms of phone calls, emails, text messages to myself, to Margaret, to both Connor and Patrick,” Fran said. “We’re beyond overwhelmed but so appreciative at the outpouring of support.”
Fran also discussed the importance of Patrick making his decision, as it helps set the standard for future college athletes dealing with mental health.
“It was hard for him, because he told the team first before he told anyone else, and I think you heard Filip Rebraca say ‘I didn’t even know,'” Fran said. “That’s the problem with this a lot of times, people just keep everything inside, that’s why I think it was important for him to be totally transparent.”
"The outpouring of support has been tremendous. . . . We're beyond overwhelmed, but so appreciative."
Fran McCaffery discusses the response to son and @IowaHoops F Patrick McCaffery taking an indefinite leave to address anxiety. #B1Gtoday pic.twitter.com/YXlo1D2KAT
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 10, 2023
While Patrick McCaffery remains sidelined for the time being, the head coach of the Hawkeyes announced he is still present at practices and is present with the team for games. Patrick will also return to action when ready.