Hurt wrestler gets OK to hire lawyer - and readers react

The parents of injured Chichester High wrestler Mazeratti Mitchell, 16, have been given until Monday morning to find an attorney as they try to block doctors at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from giving him steroids or performing surgery on his bruised spine.

Vermell and Jack Mitchell, who embrace herbal remedies and noninvasive measures, said their son doesn't need or want surgery or steroids and other drugs.

But Delaware County Children and Youth Services has been granted emergency protective custody and, at the hospital's request, is seeking a judge's approval to provide medical care to Mitchell. He was injured during wrestling practice Tuesday and was briefly unable to move or feel his limbs.

- William Bender

The story of Mazeratti Mitchell was the most widely read on Philly.com yesterday. Here's what readers had to say: 

Artese: It is simple. Move the kid out and let the "parents" place him in a herbal hospital. Why take up the bed space and expend the energy to fight these fools on how to treat their son. Hopefully this isn't a taxpayer funded exercise.

AndyReidsMustache: Agreed. if they want to heal their son a certain way-so be it. Just make sure they sign a release and make them accountable moving forward. Get them out of the doctor's hair so they can treat people who would like to be treated by medical professionals. No need [to] involve bureaucratic measures.

stmgr: Who is to say what is the best approach? It is arrogant to deny that homeopathic treatments, used throughout history, are not effective.

EaglesPhilliesIrish: I'm not a doctor but I do believe in parental rights (except in extreme situations). Enough with the Nanny state. You don't agree with herbal medicines? OK. Don't use them for YOUR child. This isn't your child.

Deano Velvet: It's a shame everyone is taking shots at this kid's parents. What is more important is that this kid is a very gifted wrestler. I hope this injury will heal in time and he continue his wrestling career because it will open many doors for him. Get well soon, Maz!