Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 7, 1990 TAG: 9003082204
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: associated press
DATELINE: COLUMBIA, S.C. LENGTH: Short
The 19-year-old sophomore, who had a pacemaker implanted on Feb. 23 because of an irregular heartbeat, says Gathers' sudden death Sunday has him wondering about his athletic future.
"I'm thinking about it already," Rhett said. "I'll just have to see how I feel within when it's time to go."
Rhett is tentatively scheduled to resume full physical activity within a month. But he said the death of Gathers has given him a sense of vulnerability.
Gathers collapsed on Sunday during Loyola-Marymount's game against Portland and died less than two hours later.
Rhett, who collapsed twice last month before receiving the pacemaker, said, "From what they told me, his condition was similar to the situation I had. It was scary. It's still scary."
If Rhett's problem hadn't been diagnosed, his cardiologist, Dr. Robert Schulze said the player might have been in danger of suffering the same type of seizure that preceded Gather's death.
Rhett was scheduled for post-operative examination Tuesday. With the pacemaker, the 6-foot-8 forward is in no danger of a life-threatening seizure, Schulze said.
Rhett said he is still worried.
by CNB