June 25, 2006

RADNOR, Pa. -- As his U.S. teammates were busy handling Ireland 27-2 in their first exhibition game of 2006, Jay Jalbert was doing something that has become all too familiar to him in recent weeks - watching from the sideline.

Jalbert hasn't played a lacrosse game since May 13, when Colorado defeated Buffalo 16-9 to win the National Lacrosse League championship. Jalbert suffered a concussion on April 15 in the Mammoth's final regular season game, but continued to suit up for the Mammoth's three playoff games. He had three goals and 10 assists in the playoffs to play a major role in the title. But it came at a price.

"This is bad," said Jalbert. "The problem is, normally I'd probably take some rest, but I got the concussion the last game of the regular season and then it was three playoff games in a row and there was never a chance to rest."

Concussions have not been a significant problem for him in his lacrosse careeer.

"I've had a few," said Jalbert. "A couple in college and maybe one other one, but nothing like this. I spent some time in the hospital and was sick a little bit, so I'm taking the right precautions before I come back."

Watching from the sidelines is completely foreign to Jalbert. The three-time All-American midfielder from Virginia was the top scoring defenseman in the NLL this winter and has been a four-time all-star in Major League Lacrosse.

"I've never actually had to sit out anything in my life," said Jalbert.

The frustration has been building as his MLL team, Long Island, has struggled to a 2-4 start. The pain of staying off the field reached a peak when the Lizards lost to Philadelphia 13-12 after jumping out to an 8-0 lead.

"One-goal games when you know you can play," said Jalbert, "but it's not the right time."

Jalbert thinks the right time will be in time for the U.S. team and the International Lacrosse Federation World Championship. The U.S. team opens training camp on July 2 in Syracuse, has an exhibition game against a Central New York area all-star team on July 3 and a final exhibition game against the MLL All-Stars on July 6. The opening ceremonies for the world championships will be on July 13.

"I should be ready," said Jalbert. "I'm feeling good. I'm slowly doing workouts to get to normal and I'm just getting a little bit of a headache, stuff like that."