This is the dumbest thing I have read on this forum and is complete bullshit. You must be one of those people that goes around claiming to be a navy SEAL when being morbidly obese.
Treatment for an ACL tear will vary depending upon the patient's individual needs. For example, the young athlete involved in agility sports will most likely require surgery to safely return to sports. The less active, usually older, individual may be able to return to a quieter lifestyle without surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatment
A torn ACL will not heal without surgery. But nonsurgical treatment may be effective for patients who are elderly or have a very low activity level. If the overall stability of the knee is intact, your doctor may recommend simple, nonsurgical options.
Telling me your friend had surgery on his knee and competed and won a state champ at 189 pounds? Just... I don't even know what to say.