Butch Jones, Josh Dobbs offer prayers for Tennessee coaching legend Pat Summitt
It has been a difficult Sunday for the Tennessee Volunteers community with reports that legendary women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt is struggling as her early-onset dementia has progressed and has family members “preparing for the worst.”
The Summitt family released the following statement via the Pat Summitt Foundation:
“On behalf of Pat Summitt’s family, we acknowledge the past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ progresses. She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you.”
UT coach Butch Jones and quarterback Josh Dobbs were among the many people to offer their support for Summitt on social media.
Praying for Coach @patsummitt and her family tonight! #PrayforPat
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) June 26, 2016
Can’t find the words right now, only thing I can say is #PrayForPat! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ujUqzcrLz0
— Butch Jones (@UTCoachJones) June 26, 2016
Summitt began coaching at Tennessee in 1974 winning 1,098 games, 32 SEC championships and eight national championships in a decorated 38-year career. She was first diagnosed with early-onset dementia in August 2011 and stepped down as head coach in April 2012.