Syracuse punter Rob Long will undergo further treatment for malignant brain tissue cells, he announced through a statement Tuesday. The announcement comes a week after Long underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor on Dec. 14.

In a post-operation follow-up visit Monday, pathology performed on the tissue revealed that there were malignant cells remaining. Long will undergo further treatment after the New Year.

‘This is obviously a difficult time for my family and me,’ Long wrote in the statement released by the Syracuse athletic department. ‘However, we remain optimistic and positive toward a favorable outcome to this situation. I believe that I am in the best hands with a team of Oncologists and together we will continue to fight and persevere through this until I am back to full health.’

In the statement, the senior co-captain expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and support on his behalf.

SU head coach Doug Marrone informed the rest of the team of the news Tuesday afternoon before speaking with the media.

‘He has a whole football program, university (and) students behind him,’ Marrone said. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.’

Marrone noted that Long will be with the team in New York next week, leading up to Syracuse’s matchup with Kansas State in the inaugural Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 30. Long will be with his team the entire time.

For Marrone and the rest of Syracuse, the announcement was difficult to swallow. It came just five days after Long issued a statement of his recovery after a successful surgery in Philadelphia.

‘It’s difficult because you just try to understand things,’ Marrone said. ‘I think we question that quite a bit in life. ‘Why is this happening to this person?’ ‘Why is this happening now?’ ‘Why does this happen?’

‘He’s a remarkable person and he’ll fight this and we’ll overcome this together.’

aljohn@syr.edu

Published on December 20, 2010 at 12:00 pm