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UCLA football player retires after suicide attempt

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Thomas Cole
Thomas Cole: Photo from Instagram

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

UCLA offensive lineman Thomas Cole has announced that he will step away from football after attempting suicide earlier this year.

“I haven’t been present at the Wasserman facility for the past six months. This is because at the start of 2022 I made an attempt to take my own life,” Cole said. “At first I was regretful that I survived my attempt, but thankfully due to the people at the UCLA hospital, Paradigm residential treatment, and my therapist Meg, I have come to a much brighter outlook for my own future.

Thomas Cole

Thomas Cole: Photo from Twitter

“After many months of thorough consideration I have come to the conclusion that football is not conducive for my mental health, and there is more to my life than the game of football,” he continued. Cole then acknowledged the impact of his former coaches and teammates, thanking fellow O-linemen Benjamin Roy, Garrett DiGiorgio, Noah Puleali, and Taka Mahe for bringing him “so much joy and laughter in a time of immense personal suffering.

For these friendships I am forever thankful. I will miss competing and the game of football. But I will mostly miss the people it has brought into my life,” he said.

Thomas was an upcoming sophomore for the Bruins but has pledged to keep cheering for his team.

“I will forever cheer on the Bruins and wish the football program nothing but success,” said Thomas. “Everyone I interacted with at UCLA, from coaches to teachers, tutors and more thank you so much! You all have had a great impact in my life. For all of those who may be struggling, you are not alone and you are loved. It is ok to ask for help. Thank you to my family for being so loving during this process of learning to live again.”

 

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