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LaBatte had the injury repaired by a specialist in Philadelphia, Dr. William Meyers, who’s a leading expert in the treatment of core muscle injuries.

Prior to the procedure, LaBatte wondered if his career might be over.

“That’s kind of where I thought all roads were leading, to be honest,” he continued. “(Offensive line) coach (Stephen) Sorrells was a big advocate for me, and (strength and conditioning) Coach (Clinton) Spencer. They went to bat for me. We looked into this guy down there, seen all the other people he has worked with and been able to fix. I signed up to go down there and go through the process.”

LaBatte wasn’t sold on the procedure at first but he warmed up to the idea when the discussion turned to life after football. Dr. Meyers informed LaBatte that he would have a tough time with any sort of physical activity unless the damage was repaired.

“As soon as I heard that, it was a no-brainer,” said LaBatte, who was initially hesitant to undergo surgery for the first time in his career. “I told him, ‘If I’d lose 60, 70 pounds, is that going to help?’ He said, ‘You’re not losing 60, 70 pounds on that. You won’t be able to train consistently enough.’ That was the realization that the following day I had to let them cut me open.”

The Riders supported his decision, even though it came with no guarantees.

“We certainly want him to get right for the season but, if that didn’t happen, then we want him to be healthy for his life after football,” head coach Craig Dickenson said. “I think he has a couple more good years in him. I think he (agrees) but that was one of those injuries where he was concerned about it because it just never seemed to go away. But it’s finally gotten to the point where he feels better and he feels like he can be productive.”