Jamie Burns, the sophomore cheerleader sidelined three weeks ago for carrying a non-dependable pacemaker, was fully reinstated to the SMU cheerleading squad Thursday evening.
After talking to Burns’ cardiologist, Vice President of Student Affairs, Lori White, reversed her initial decision that forbade Burns from doing more than remaining stationary on the sidelines.
“I’m just excited to be back on the team,” said Burns. “I’m just glad it’s over and behind me.”
White issued a statement saying, “Based on a review of additional medical opinions sought by SMU, we have cleared student Jaime Burns for full participation as a member of the University cheerleading team.”
In a matter of minutes preceding White’s decision, Burns went from practicing several hours a day and never failing a physical, to not being allowed to do so much as jump up and down. The university based their initial decision off an article that appeared in a cardiology magazine. However, the article described patients with Long QT Syndrome who failed to seek treatment. While Burns did suffer from this condition, with her pacemaker she is no longer considered a risk. Upon recognizing their mistake, the university agreed to seek a second opinion.
In an e-mail from Marge Burns on Sept. 20, Jamie’s mother expressed her frustration that the process took longer than expected. Mrs. Burns also said the school had her daughter’s medical records for several days before a decision was made.
“It seems like SMU [was] dragging their feet a little but and [thought] this issue would go away,” said Mrs. Burns.
After transferring to SMU from Midwestern State, Burns was anxious to be a member of a nationally ranked team. Benched the night before the Texas Tech football game on Sept. 13, she barely even got to put on the uniform before head coach Zac Brannon informed Burns of the university’s decision. White explained SMU could not allow Burns to cheer because her pacemaker was not covered by SMU’s insurance policy, and her condition was a threat not only to herself, but other athletes as well.
“For them to kick me off so quickly, I think they saw it as just cheerleading,” said Burns in the week following her absence. “They didn’t see [cheerleading] as anything big, but they don’t realize that to some people it is.”
Burns explained that even if she were to experience complications with her pacemaker, it would not immediately impact her performance. The school’s concern about injuring herself and her teammates could not be proven.
Prior to becoming a Mustang, the athlete signed a release statement from her cardiologist saying she was fully allowed to participate in all team activities, as well as a liability waiver from the university agreeing she would not sue the school incase of an injury.
Frustrated by the university’s decision, Burns weathered the storm for three weeks as school officials weighed in on getting a second opinion. Having to support her team from the sidelines during all practices and appearances, Burns missed nearly three weeks of practice, workouts and games before being told she would be allowed to continue pursuing her dream.
In spite of the long process, the Burns waited it out, hoping the school would clear her sooner rather than later.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of all involved, especially Jamie and her family, during this important medical review process,” said White.
The cheer team will not travel with the football team to the University of Central Florida this weekend, but Burns will join her teammates on the sideline on Oct. 11 when SMU hosts Tulsa.
