No. 4 Florida State senior forward Phil Cofer, who did not play in Thursday’s win over Vermont, is dealing with a lot more than the right foot injury that kept him on the sideline. Following the game Cofer was given the news that his father Michael, who had been ill for quite some time, had passed away.
Folks, please keep FSU's Phil Cofer in your thoughts. His father, who has been ill for some time, has passed away. Phil found out after today's game. So incredibly sad. His teammates are comforting him as best they can.
— Ira Schoffel (@IraSchoffel) March 21, 2019
Following the game Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton said that Cofer was considered to be “day-to-day” as a result of the foot issue, with the senior forward dealing with swelling after playing three straight days in the ACC tournament.
According to a school spokesman no decision has been made as to whether Cofer would remain with the team or leave to be with his family due to the passing of his father. Health-wise the hope was that he would be available to play in Saturday’s second round matchup with No. 12 Murray State.
Michael Cofer, who attended Tennessee and played ten seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, was 58 years old.