By Kevin Clerici
Arizona Daily Wildcat
December 6, 1996
Arizona defensive tackle Daniel Greer had surgery yesterday morning to repair damage in the right ankle that was injured in the fourth quarter of the Arizona-Arizona State football game on Nov. 23.Greer, a sophomore who started seven games in 1996, underwent the surgery at University Medical Center. The operation was performed by one of the team's consulting orthopedic specialists, Dr. Jon Nisbet.
The incident occurred on UA's Mikal Smith's 98-yard interception return with 12:18 to play. Greer had to be taken off the field on a stretcher after ASU's Glen Gable knocked him to the ground on an illegal hit from behind. Trailing Smith in celebration, Greer never saw Gable coming. Gable, who was playing for the already ejected Pat Thompson, was cited for a personal foul and was kicked out of the game.
UA football trainer Magie Lacambra said Greer's procedure involved installing a screw to help keep bones stabilized while torn ligaments heal. Greer will wear a cast for about six weeks, a splint for another five to six weeks and then undergo rehabilitation for a similar period of time, she said.