<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Change of heart: NBA to institute series of cardiac testsIn February cardiologist Dr. Barry Maron of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation told ESPN.com that he would tell the NBA it needed more rigorous heart testing. It looks like the league heard him.The New York Times reported on Saturday that the league would require standardized cardiac screening for every player in the league. The action comes in response to the death of Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collier in October and the highly-publicized heart testing controversy surrounding current New York Knicks center Eddy Curry.After Curry experienced an irregular heartbeat in March of 2005, the Chicago Bulls asked that he undergo genetic testing to determine if he was predisposed to a potentially fatal heart condition. He declined and Bulls general manager John Paxson traded him to New York that offseason.According to the Times, the league will now require a number of tests which exceed the American Heart Association 12-point program. They include a physical examination, blood work, an electrocardiogram, a resting echocardiogram and a stress echocardiogram. Players must also provide personal and family histories to screen for certain predispositions.The standard electrocardiogram (EKG) can detect an irregular heartbeat, while an echocardiogram is an ultrasound that allows doctors to study the size of the heart and the strength of the heart muscle."The standardized and systematic strategy that the NBA is instituting is very reasonable and important," Maron told the Times.He served on a four-person panel that helped the league create the program. "They should be given substantial credit for this initiative," he added.Four other current of past players underwent heart surgery last season: Ronny Turiaf of the Los Angeles Lakers, Fred Hoiberg of the Minnesota Timberwolves , Zeljko Rebraca of the Los Angeles Clippers and Robert Traylor, who played for Cleveland in 2004-05.</div> LinkI think this is good for the league. I didnt realize that many players underwent heart surgery last year. Looks good for the NBA to look out for its players.
This is great for the league, awesome addition. This reminded me of how much of a loser Eddy Curry with the Bulls. I mean he got mad at them because they wanted to make sure his heart was ok? Umm.. sounds like they cared about him a lot. I don't understand Curry there. Oh well, I guess everything happens for a reason, they got Big Ben now.R.I.P. Jason Collier
This is a good idea for the league. not only does it help the players of the league but its also good from a negotiating standpoint for the league.
