Oct

3

Amare May Wear Goggles After Suffering Eye Injury

Filed Under NBA Injuries | Leave a Comment

The “East Valley Tribune” reported that Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire missed practice with the team on Thursday after suffering an eye injury on Wednesday during practice. Stoudemire was accidentally poked in his right eye by teammate center Boris Diaw. When he woke up Thursday, his vision was blurry and the eye was swollen.

It turns out that the All-Star suffered a partially torn iris, which Phoenix General Manager Steve Kerr described as “not serious, fortunately.” There was no damage to the cornea or the retina.

Stoudemire may be back on the hardwood as soon as Sunday, with a new fashion accessory goggles. The report says he may wear them for the rest of his playing days.

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Oct

3

Pedowitz Investigation Says Donaghy Acted Alone

Filed Under NBA Off The Court Issues | Leave a Comment

The “Associated Press” reported Thursday that NBA “Gambling Czar” Lawrence Pedowitz who was heading up an investigation into of the Association’s referees operations department released released the findings of the probe. The result of the investigation that started in August of 2007, was that former referee Tim Donaghy acted alone in setting up a gambling ring with his associates from outside the NBA. Donaghy is currently serving a 15 month sentence at Saufley Field a minimum security federal prison in Pensacola, Florida. 

Back in July Donaghy had admitted to providing inside information to associates as well as betting on games himself.  He was sentenced to 15 months jail time, and 3 years of supervised release. Donaghy’s attorney asked the judge in the New York courtroom to give his client probation, instead of prison time. He said his client needed treatment not punishment. Judge Carol Amon instead gave Donaghy a 15 month sentence, much shorter than the maximum sentence for the crime which is 33 months.

Pedowitz recommended a new set of guide lines to be instituted, including installing an anonymous hot line where gambling suspicions could be reported. Pedowitz also strongly urged the Association to set up an education system to inform players on the ramifications of gambling.

NBA Commissioner David Stern vowed to institute stringent measures. Stern spoke to the media via conference call on Thursday. The Commissioner said ” We will be up there with the very best. No one will have a better system than we do. But all of that said, to the idea that, you know, criminal activity will exist every place else in the world except in sports is just something that we can’t guarantee. But we’re going to have the most effective possible system that’s ever been devised.”

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Oct

3

Trail Blazers Center Practicing Despite Ankle Sprain

Filed Under NBA Injuries | Leave a Comment

 

The Portland Trail Blazers website reported Thursday that Blazers center Greg Oden was back practicing with the team Wednesday night, after tweaking his ankle during the first day of practice at training camp. Oden rolled his right ankle during the team’s first practice. He fell to the floor clutching his leg, which immediately brought concern to the team after the injury Oden suffered at the beginning of camp last year. Oden suffered a season ending injury which resulted in micro-fracture surgery.

Oden was injured after trying to move teammate Joel Przybilla from the lane during the practice session. Reports say that Oden was back on the court during Wednesday’s second practice which took place Wednesday night. He reportedly was involved in only non-contact drills, and was said to be not going at full speed. However the website did report that the slight limp he had diminished significantly during the practice. Oden was the number one pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net