Bad News, but it helps us...

[Guest]

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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I wish him the best and feel for his pain.

[Guest]

The Heat now have questionable at PG/Bench

and now center....Even if they play Grant and

sign a PF I doubt they will be able to compete.

But on a more important note I'd rather have

ZO not in this type of danger and be challenged

for the playoffs than him be sick and a challenger

knocked out the door.

It's sad to see this has happend.Zo is one of my

favorite player in the NBA.Just sad news.

[cyman3]

"I'd rather have ZO not in this type of danger and be challenged for the playoffs than him be sick and a challenger

knocked out the door."

- Definitely... i wouldnt call myself a HUMAN if i couldnt agree with that.

Zo is a VERY GOOD CHARACTER/GUY that had a unusual child experiences... the man is a good guy at heart, but i think he should consider retirement...

He might not be a TOP 50 player in history, but he was an ALLSTAR throughout his career. He has a huge impact on this game, but i dont think he can keep up.

First i see GRANT HILL go down (imho- i dont see him being the best SF anymore as i used to.... i doubt he would even get close), and now it seems like its Mournings turn.

[Sage11]

This is very bad news. Zo is a wonderful person and you hate to hear this type of news about him. This is a tremendious lost for the NBA. I always admired his warrior type agressiveness on the court. When he was healthy this is the guy you wanted to fight with you and not against you. I am deeply sadden that I will not get to see his talents on display this season. My prayers are with him.