Most coaches and athletes don’t realize it but hidden away in many foods (and not just Asian restaurant foods) is monosodium glutamate, a preservative and flavor enhancer that, in some people, causes an allergic reaction that is often categorized as a “flu-like” symptom. MSG is found in salad bars (some restaurants submerge their lettuce in water with MSG in it to keep it from turning brown), some restaurants use it in gravies and soups, some as a seasoning and a host of other ways.  And restaurants are not required to inform their customers which of their dishes include MSG.  Therefore, you never know if you’re eating it.  In today’s USA TODAY (“Sick Call”) there was an article about Alabama’s All-America linebacker Rolando McClain and backup defensive back Rod Woodson who both missed media day activities because of a “stomach virus.” Linebacker coach James Willis said McClain, the Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker, was fine and joked that he might have just wanted to skip the interview session. McClain “ate something wrong last night or whatever,” Willis said. Hey coach! That “whatever” might have been MSG! Check it out!