I have a family member that was recently diagnosed with Crohn's similar to ulcerative colitis. They've been bed ridden, in and out of hospital and downright debilitated. As you indicated its chronic and likely comes back in flare ups. I can't imagine a high level athlete playing through that. Also potentially the E. coli was misdiagnosed and an original flare up. The contract was lower than I expected, this factored in.