Broken ankle ends Snowden’s season, will require surgery

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Watching Charles Snowden sprawled on the Scott Stadium turf, slamming his helmet to the ground in frustration, was the first bad sign for Virginia fans during Saturday night’s win over Abilene Christian.

Their worst fears were confirmed Sunday when Snowden’s father announced that his son’s season was over.

“Charles is in good spirits however he has a broken ankle that will require surgery,” the elder Snowden posted on his Twitter account. “Thanks for all of the good wishes and what a wonderful, wonderful career and 4 years it has been! … and thanks “Village” for riding “shotgun” these 4 years!!! … and a “special thanks to the University of Virginia” for giving a skinny kid froma private school the time of his life! …BLESSED (smile)!!!”

When Snowden was helped off the field by UVA’s sports medicine team and taken straight to the locker room, fans knew it wasn’t a good situation. When he returned to the sidelines on crutches and wearing a cast on his right leg from the knee down, most everyone figured that it was as bad as it appeared.

Snowden watched the second half while sitting on an equipment box, chatting with teammates.

“It stinks to have that happen, any injury,” said UVA quarterback Brennan Armstrong. “To see Charles and guys getting dinged up, it seemed like it kept happening and happening.”

Two other defensive players were injured and did not return to the game, senior transfer free safety D’Angelo Amos and backup freshman defensive end Nusi Malani. Their status is unknown until Bronco Mendenhall’s weekly press conference on Monday.

Mendenhall was somber over the injuries, particularly Snowden, a senior leader on and off the field. It was Snowden who had led the resurgence of Virginia’s defense over the three-game winning streak.

“It’s the highest level of concern when we’re think already,” Mendenhall said. “That added to it and it was really unfortunate. It’s always hard to see players get hurt. I hate that part of the business, especially the players that I have such good relationships with and just admire. So, yeah, it’s an issue.”