Ex-NBA forward Anthony Mason in ‘stable condition’ after heart attack
Anthony Mason, a rugged forward whose hard-charging, take-no-prisoners approach made him a fan favorite on the court, especially during his time with Pat Riley’s New York Knicks, is reportedly in stable condition after suffering a heart attack and experiencing complications related to congestive heart failure earlier this week.
Longtime New York basketball writer Peter Vecsey reported Wednesday that Mason was “fighting [for his] life” after undergoing multiple surgeries, including one procedure that lasted nine hours. Vecsey reported that Mason had reached 350 pounds, had been dealing with heart problems for the past year, and was at a New York-area hospital undergoing tests when the heart attack occurred; he was later listed in critical condition, according to the New York Daily News.
Thankfully, things seem to have taken a positive turn for the 48-year-old Mason, according to a statement sent by his son, former St. John’s University basketball player Anthony Mason Jr., to MSG’s Tina Cervasio:
Just received release from @YuNgMaseJr / Anthony Mason, Jr. On his father’s status. #PrayForBigMase #AnthonyMason pic.twitter.com/IlN1Eto20x
— Tina Cervasio (@TinaCervasio) February 14, 2015
My family and I appreciate everyone’s support this week, and we are grateful for all of the prayers and well-wishes for our father, Anthony Mason. Our father is now in stable condition and continues to receive expert medical care here in New York as he recovers from his medical procedures. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. — Anthony Mason Jr.
Mason’s other son, Auburn guard Antoine Mason, has also stayed in New York with his father as he continues to undergo treatment.
Mason averaged 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during a 13-year NBA career spent with six teams that was marked by ferocious play on the court and explosions off it, and fierce battles with opponents, teammates and coaches alike. He won the 1994-95 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award with the Knicks and made the All-Star Game in 2000 while a member of the Miami Heat.
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