clarinews@clarinet.com (02/01/90)
_f_l_a_._,_ _o_k_l_a_. FOXBORO, Mass. (UPI) -- Former New England Patriots linebacker Don Blackmon, whose career was cut short by neck injuries in 1988, will be inducted into the University of Tulsa Hall of Fame, Patriots officials said Wednesday. Blackmon's persistent neck injuries forced him to retire after seven seasons with the Patriots. He will be honored at his alma mater on Feb. 17. The 31-year-old Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native played for Tulsa from 1976 to 1980, and was the Missouri Valley Conference defensive player of the year as a senior. Blackmon is credited with 336 tackles at Tulsa and still holds the school record for lost yardage forced by sacks, with 40 for 239 yards. Blackmon was a fourth-round draft pick for the Patriots in 1981 and played in 89 games through seven years. He has been New England's assistant linebackers coach for the last two seasons.