Florida S Nelson's mother dies after long bout with cancer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida safety Reggie Nelson's mother died just hours after the All-American made it home following practice.

Mary Lakes had been battling breast cancer since October 2003. She died Thursday night, just after Nelson returned from the second-ranked Gators' final pre-Christmas practice.

"Reggie had a special relationship with his mother," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "She was a tremendous person and an inspiration for Reggie and many others. Our entire football program is deeply saddened and in mourning. We will remain by Reggie's side and provide emotional and spiritual support for him during this difficult time."

Lakes, who attended a game in early September and had to carry an oxygen tank, was quoted several weeks ago as saying she expected her son to leave after this season for the NFL. Nelson is a possible first-round draft pick.

"She tells me to pray every day and that's what I've been doing," Nelson said last month. "She can't do too much but be strong."

Not only was Nelson trying to help take care of his mother, he has two children - one in Melbourne and another in Kansas.

"I know I've got responsibilities," said Nelson, a finalist for the Thorpe Award. "All I can do is talk to them and take care of them and be there for them."