UTAH UTES MOURNS 2 GREAT HEROS
Kenny Gardner
The University of Utah’s basketball team, the Runnin’ Utes, is grieving the loss of their former player Kenny Gardner, who recently passed away at 75 years old. Gardner’s demise marks the second time in the last two years that Utah basketball has lost a prominent former player.
Gardner lived a rich life, with options to pursue baseball, football, or basketball at various colleges. Ultimately, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Vern Gardner and joined the Utes’ basketball team.
Afterwards, Gardner had a shot at the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, but his career was abbreviated due to injury. Nevertheless, he went on to enjoy a successful professional basketball career in France.
Greg Newman DEATH REPORT
News of Newman’s death started to emerge on Sunday, May 19, as former teammates were informed of the tragic event. Newman, who was only 38 years old, had a notable career as a defensive lineman for the Utes from 2005 to 2008, playing both tackle and defensive end roles. He played a crucial role in Utah’s undefeated 2008 season, their 2009 Sugar Bowl triumph over the Alabama Crimson Tide, and their No. 2 Final AP Poll ranking.
Proceeds from the GoFundMe campaign will go towards supporting the CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) Center at Boston College. Additionally, Newman’s family announced their decision to donate Greg’s brain to the UNITE Brain Bank for research purposes, aiming to aid other football players dealing with CTE in the future.
Newman joined Utah in 2005 after redshirting at Colorado the previous year, although he had to sit out due to NCAA Transfer rules. In 2006, he participated in all 13 games as a backup defensive end, tallying 11 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. His performance earned him a scholarship after initially walking on to the team.
In 2007, Newman once again played in all 13 games, with four starts, two at right end and two at tackle, contributing 12 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack.
