Former NBA Big Man Wayman Tisdale Loses Part Of Leg To Cancer

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Off The Court Issues

The “Associated Press” reported Tuesday that Wayman Tisdale who had a 12 year career in the NBA as a center/power forward had part of his right leg amputated on Monday. Tisdale who has had a second successful career as a jazz bass guitarist, released a statement on his website that he was having the operation. Tisdale was found to have cancer in his leg after he suffered a break in February of 2007. Tisdale’s wife Regina told reporters the operation “went well.”

Tisdale played for the Indiana Pacers from 1985-1989, the Sacramento Kings from 1989-1994, and finished his career in the Assocaition with the Phoenix Suns retiring in 1997. The 6′9” native of Tulsa, averaged over 15 points, 6 boards per game during his career. Tisdale in his statement wrote he expects to tour this fall. Tisdale wrote “This may sound drastic, but I have put it in God’s hands and now have peace, knowing that this is the best way to put this disease in check. I have complete faith that with the Lord’s blessings this surgery will eliminate the cancer from my body and I’ll soon be back on the road doing what I do best.” We here at Slam Dunk Central send our hopes and wishes for a full and rapid recovery for Wayman.

Updates, Fresh From the Oven, Straight to Your Inbox

Promote:

Comments

14 Responses to “Former NBA Big Man Wayman Tisdale Loses Part Of Leg To Cancer”

Rosetta Cisero on August 28th, 2008 3:20 pm

Wayman,

I have the pleasure of seeing you live in Memphis, Tn, and I also wanted to know more about you when I learned that you changed careers and followed your “first love”. I too am a lover of the arts and music so when I saw you at the Cannon Center two years ago in Memphis, I was very happy.

I want you to know that you are absolutely right to put your situation in God’s hands and allow him to carry your burdens. I also want you to know that you are not alone in your fight. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and you.

Sincerely,
R.C.
Randall Vaughn on August 29th, 2008 5:51 am

Brother Wayman, I wish you the absolute BEST in your bright future; so many are inspired by your belief that anything is possible, and there are no limits to what we as human beings can achieve…..You are the Man, Peace, RV
Steve Alexander on September 26th, 2008 7:46 pm

You probably don’t remember me”we played against each other in tulsa ok,junior high through high school. words cannot express how sorry I am to hear about your situation, but coming from a family of God I know God has a mission for you. My prayers go out to you and your family.
J. Lewis on November 1st, 2008 2:49 pm

Wayman,

I am just learning of your surgery today. I am a new fan of yours, but have been encouraged greatly by your music while going through my own difficult situations. Your music, especially the Rebound album, helped me remember the dominion of God as I have gone through life’s trials and changes.
I caught a glimpse of you at the Johnathan Butler concert in TX. Your commanding presence on the front row as you stood to greet Mr. Butler was memorable. Keep STANDING TALL. Your faith and persistance to move forward through the changes of life are blessings to sooo many. I look forward to hearing you play again soon.
wilson hooks on November 27th, 2008 6:54 am

wayman all i can say GOD BLESS and im also a big fan i watch you and coach mike mims raise to be stars if any thing i can do e-mail me im here in tulsa so lets win this 4 quarter its a tie ball game lol stay up!!!!!
BRYAN OLDS on December 6th, 2008 2:28 pm

BLESSINGS MY DEAR BROTHER I HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR CAREER AT OU AND A LITTLE IN THE NBA BUT NOW… WHAT AN INSTRAMENT THE LORD HAS PLAYING FOR HIM NOW MY PRAYERS ARE THAT THE LORD KEEPS USING YOU AND BLESSING YOU, THAT WHEN OTHERS SEE YOU THEY SEE CHRIST. GOD BLESS YOU WAYMAN BRYAN
Lynn Bell on December 7th, 2008 12:46 pm

Dear Wayman, When I heard the news; it just crushed me. I am 38 and live in Louisville, Ky. My favorite team growing up was the Sooners because of you. I knew everything about you and had all kinds of newspaper clippings about your big games etc.You were the best college player that I have ever seen and I will argue you that with anyone but I was always convinced that you were a better person. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Pastor Yul Dorn Sr. on December 24th, 2008 1:18 pm

Wayman,
Glad to hear you are doing ok, when I first heard about the surgery I bagan to pray, I have never met you, however, I feel like I have because I have been a fan of yours for many years dating back to your days at Oklahoma, because I have a cousin who played with you there T.M. I believe he was a freshman, and when you were playing in Sacramento, you have an uncle there who is a pastor, and that’s when I first found out you played Bass. I will continue to pray for you. God Bless.
Kathy Green on January 9th, 2009 1:45 pm

Wayman,
God is good all the time! You are an encouragement to all who’ve dealt with cancer. I just lost my mother to cancer in 9/08. God bless you and your family. I am a big fan. I live in Reading,Pa. and am looking forward to seeing you at the Jazz Fest.
Rob Ankuma on January 19th, 2009 3:33 pm

I have been a fan for over 7 years. God bless and Good luck to you.
Haile on May 16th, 2009 1:36 am

Rest in Peace, Wayman! You will so be missed!
Sandy on May 18th, 2009 12:29 am

I discovered Wayman’s music about six years ago and immediately loved it! I am so sad for his family’s loss…God bless them and give them strength! Thank you, Wayman, for many hours of wonderful jazz…
Lynn on May 22nd, 2009 3:37 pm

Rest in peace, Wayman. I am a new fan of yours but I believe I knew you in spirit, and what a wonderful spirit you possessed.
T. Kramer on May 22nd, 2009 4:15 pm

Mrs. Tisdale, I’m so sorry for your loss. My husband is also 44 years young and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Feb. He had his left leg amputated and now is going through chemo. My heart goes out to you. Keep the Faith.
tk