Vanderbilt to retire number of player who drowned
Vanderbilt University is retiring Donny Everett's No. 41 jersey after his recent death.
Commodores head coach Tim Corbin made the announcement after Everett drowned on June 2, according to the Tennessean's Adam Sparks.
“Forty-one won’t be worn again,” Corbin said Saturday. “That number just doesn’t need to be worn by another person.”
Prayers going out to Donny Everett's family and @VandyBaseball today. You will be missed pic.twitter.com/GshAQ528Qw
— Ballplayer Plus (@BallPlayerPlus) June 3, 2016
Corbin said his decision to retire the number was "instinct" and that a memorial hasn't been discussed yet.
“We haven’t done it yet, but we will put our thoughts together on that at some point,” Corbin said. “We will find a way to build a memorial for Donny or do something that would honor him in the right way.”
The jersey was worn by Everett for a single season, as the freshman died before completing one year in Nashville. Corbin said the jersey hasn't been given to the family yet, but he'll be certain to make sure it winds up in in their hands.
“That number will be put on a wall somewhere. But wherever it is, that number will belong to (Everett’s) parents,” Corbin said. “Right now, there is such an onslaught of emotions. But we will figure out the best way to honor Donny."