NBA Mulls League-Wide Physicals Standard

[BAMAPHIN 22]

The NBA is considering a league-wide standard for physical exams following the death of Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collier.

Individual team doctors from each of the NBA's 30 franchises currently determine the physical exams for their players.

"The medical protocols employed by our teams have traditionally been left to the best practices of team physicians," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. "However, in light of recent events that have occurred not just in the NBA but in other sports as well, we think it is prudent to follow up with our teams to find out what the norms are across the league."

All players get physicals before training camp, and some teams use echocardiograms to detect heart problems. But not all teams use the tests and the league has no standard for physicals, the USA Today reported Thursday.

The 28-year-old Collier died Saturday after he had difficulty breathing at home. His agent, Richard Howell, said Collier may have had an enlarged heart.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051020/ap_on_sp_bk_ne/bkn_nba_physicals;_ylt=AkZFAx5x2pZ_kyYoOPivItq79LQF;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHVqMTQ4BHNlYwN5bnN1YmNhdA--

 

[MikeO]

duh! It's like the Eddie Curry thing. Either he is healthy enough to play or he isn't. This, he is unhealthy for the Bulls or OK for the Knicks! Uh, no.

Either way he will drop dead on an NBA court, the NBA should step in on EVERY player.

 

[FinsNYanksFan13]

If you want to play in the NBA and make millions of dollars then I can't really understand complaining about having to take a physical. I had to take on just to get into college and I'm paying to go!

 

[finfansince72]

I guess some players think its worth risking death to play in the NBA. I just hope that it isnt Curry's family getting the money on his contract instead of him. The Bulls did the right thing, Curry's problems were potentially life-threatening, its not only good business to make sure he is healthy, its just the right thing to do. Reggie Lewis and Hank Gathers should not have been playing, both died in vain if other players dont care to pay attention to these tragedies.

 

[MikeO]

I guess some players think its worth risking death to play in the NBA. I just hope that it isnt Curry's family getting the money on his contract instead of him. The Bulls did the right thing, Curry's problems were potentially life-threatening, its not only good business to make sure he is healthy, its just the right thing to do. Reggie Lewis and Hank Gathers should not have been playing, both died in vain if other players dont care to pay attention to these tragedies.

It shouldn't be up to the Bulls. It shoudl be up to the league.

Either he can play or he can't. Doesn't matter which teams are involved.

 

[Ferretsquig]

Let the players decide. Educate them to the fullest extent possible about the potential risks and let them make their own decision. Its within their rights to risk death playing a game. Curry is taking too much of a risk in my opinion soley because his contract isnt insured, and his family wont be getting a payday if he dies. But its his decision whether he wants to play, not Stern's.

 

[Roman529]

Pistol Pete Maravich dropped dead from a heart ailment that he never even knew he had. There may not be tests to detect certain illinesses or hereditary diseases. That is just life. I think the NBA should instead have more stringent drugs tests and I think they also took a step in the right direction by putting in a dress code. These clowns have to realize you don't show up at work with jeans falling off your a$$ and a hat worn sideways.

 

[MikeO]

Let the players decide. Educate them to the fullest extent possible about the potential risks and let them make their own decision. Its within their rights to risk death playing a game. Curry is taking too much of a risk in my opinion soley because his contract isnt insured, and his family wont be getting a payday if he dies. But its his decision whether he wants to play, not Stern's.

No no no no NO! It isn't up to the players, its up to the league since they will face all lawsuits from the players family. You can't leave it up to the players.