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LakerMania · 09-12-2002, 06:14 PM

Source: Mourning's kidney condition deteriorating

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Associated Press

MIAMI -- Alonzo Mourning's kidney condition has deteriorated and will probably prevent him from playing this season, a source close to the Miami Heat center said Thursday.

Mourning

The Heat released a statement confirming that Mourning would be sidelined indefinitely because "his chemistry levels have fallen below what his doctors feel is an acceptable level to play.''

Mourning, his agent and Heat coach Pat Riley declined to comment. The Heat said Riley would hold a news conference Friday to discuss the setback.

The All-Star center definitely will miss the start of the season, said the source close to Mourning, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Heat opener is Oct. 30.

The 32-year-old Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in October 2000. He played just 13 games that season, but his condition gradually improved.

Last season the disease was in remission, meaning his kidneys stopped deteriorating. Medication improved his blood pressure, hemoglobin and cholesterol, all affected by his ailment. Mourning missed only seven games last season, playing so well he made the NBA All-Star team for the seventh time.

But Mourning has acknowledged that his prognosis is uncertain, and that a transplant might eventually be necessary. Sean Elliott of the San Antonio Spurs contracted a less serious form of focal glomerulosclerosis and required a transplant in 1999.

Mourning had been seeing a physician every two weeks for a checkup, and the latest round of tests apparently revealed a change in his condition.

Even with Mourning healthy, the Heat went 36-46 last season, and Riley missed the playoffs for the first time in his 20-year coaching career. Mourning is to make $20.6 million this season in the final year of a seven-year contract.

In a recent interview, Mourning said he hates going to the doctor.

"I'm petrified,'' he said, "because I'm afraid of what they're going to tell me.''

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09-12-2002, 06:14 PM	#1
LakerMania Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 177	Source: Mourning's kidney condition deteriorating -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press MIAMI -- Alonzo Mourning's kidney condition has deteriorated and will probably prevent him from playing this season, a source close to the Miami Heat center said Thursday. Mourning The Heat released a statement confirming that Mourning would be sidelined indefinitely because "his chemistry levels have fallen below what his doctors feel is an acceptable level to play.'' Mourning, his agent and Heat coach Pat Riley declined to comment. The Heat said Riley would hold a news conference Friday to discuss the setback. The All-Star center definitely will miss the start of the season, said the source close to Mourning, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Heat opener is Oct. 30. The 32-year-old Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in October 2000. He played just 13 games that season, but his condition gradually improved. Last season the disease was in remission, meaning his kidneys stopped deteriorating. Medication improved his blood pressure, hemoglobin and cholesterol, all affected by his ailment. Mourning missed only seven games last season, playing so well he made the NBA All-Star team for the seventh time. But Mourning has acknowledged that his prognosis is uncertain, and that a transplant might eventually be necessary. Sean Elliott of the San Antonio Spurs contracted a less serious form of focal glomerulosclerosis and required a transplant in 1999. Mourning had been seeing a physician every two weeks for a checkup, and the latest round of tests apparently revealed a change in his condition. Even with Mourning healthy, the Heat went 36-46 last season, and Riley missed the playoffs for the first time in his 20-year coaching career. Mourning is to make $20.6 million this season in the final year of a seven-year contract. In a recent interview, Mourning said he hates going to the doctor. "I'm petrified,'' he said, "because I'm afraid of what they're going to tell me.'' ESPN Tools Email story Most sent Print story __________________ Hey Shawn Bradley, gimme them inches, cuz you ain't using them for nothin 'cept sitting on benches. Shaq