Tuesday, June 15, 1999
Strong in stable condition
Nose surgery goes awry for forward
BY MICHAEL PERRY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Derek Strong, inducted into Xavier's Athletic Hall of Fame in November, went to the hospital last Friday for out-patient nose surgery and ended up reportedly close to death.
The Orlando Magic forward was in stable condition but improving Monday at Florida Hospital Orlando, where he was transferred by helicopter after having a post-surgery allergic reaction to anesthesia.
“Derek's condition is stable and improving. I can tell you that much and that much alone,” said Roy Reid, public relations director for Florida Hospital.
Magic players and team officials visited Strong on Monday, a team spokesperson said, adding, “doctors are encouraged by his improvement.”
The Orlando Sentinel reported that Strong was having surgery at Florida Hospital Altamonte to fix his nose, which he broke this season for the third time. After the surgery, the paper said, Strong started getting a high fever. The Associated Press, quoting an anonymous NBA source, said Strong's life was in jeopardy at one point. “We almost lost him,” the source said.
Strong averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 44 games last season.
In January, he signed a five-year, $17 million deal with Orlando.
He is Xavier's No. 7 all-time leading rebounder and 17th all-time scorer.
Sports Stories
REDS 8, METS 4
Mets thrive despite adversity
REDS NOTEBOOK
Johnson to DL; LaRue called up
Box, runs
Smith at camp without a contract
Bengals sign Covington
