Andrew McDonald recovers from cancer surgery
By Brian Miller
It’s likely you don’t recognize the name but Andrew McDonald has had his share of ups and downs in his NFL career. Today the Charlotte Observer is reporting that McDonald, a Carolina Panther lineman, had surgery a month ago to remove testicular cancer. The report states that he is still recovering and that the cancer has not spread.
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McDonald joined the Panthers last off-season as a practice squad member and he will try and make the team this year after he fully recovers. McDonald was the “Player-A” referenced in the Ted Well’s report surrounding the harassment of former Miami Dolphins Jonathan Martin.
In that report, Well’s referenced “Player-A” as being on the receiving end of serious locker room abuse by former teammates Richie Incognito and John Jerry as well the teams Pro-Bowl center Mike Pouncey. In addition, the Wells’ report also mentioned that Martin himself participated in hazing and bullying style antics in order to fit in. In the Wells’ report, “Player-A” was subjected to homophobic names and inappropriate touching. He was also reportedly the recipient of a male blow up sex doll given to him as a Christmas present from his offensive line coach.
Speaking to the media for the first time after the reports release and not threw his agent, McDonald had this to say about the events while in Miami.
"“I just kind of saw it as rookie — picking on the rookies and stuff. And just kind of playing around, messing with them,” McDonald said. “But some people goes a little too far sometimes. That’s pretty much it.” He followed that up with “I don’t think I want to get into that, really,” when pressed about his harassment going to far."
Regardless of his past issues McDonald is focused on moving from the practice squad to the 53 man opening roster. The Panthers are thin at the position and McDonald could be poised to make the team as a back-up tackle. For now, it’s good news that he appears to have tackled cancer.