Sept. 27, 2004
SportsLine.com wire reports

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse starting cornerback Tanard Jackson was released from the hospital Monday after being stabbed in the chest during a fight outside the campus student center.

"He's doing fine," coach Paul Pasqualoni said. "It's unfortunate. He tried to avoid what happened, and in the end he couldn't. We're just hoping for a speedy recovery."

Pasqualoni said Jackson probably would miss Saturday's Big East opener against Rutgers in the Carrier Dome.

Police said Jackson and his roommate, Reggie McCoy, a safety on the team, were in a parking lot outside the Schine Student Center at about 2 a.m. Sunday when a fight broke out involving about 15 people following a fraternity-sponsored dance.

Jackson was attacked while walking to his car with friends, university spokesman Kevin Morrow said. During the dance, a group of football players stepped in to end a confrontation between two groups, Morrow said.

"It's encouraging that he was trying to do the right thing," Pasqualoni said.

On Saturday, Jackson had four tackles in Syracuse's 31-10 loss at No. 12 Virginia.



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