sad news for nice guy who had worked his butt off to become a starter and player in this league. from espn.com MacCulloch's return unlikely, doctors say PHILADELPHIA -- Diagnosed with a disease that weakens his legs and disrupts his balance, Todd MacCulloch could be done playing basketball. The Philadelphia 76ers' center underwent additional tests Monday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Team spokesman Chris Wallace said the 76ers wouldn't immediately discuss the results. Medical experts said Monday it's unlikely MacCulloch will be able to continue playing with a genetic disorder known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In most cases, doctors said, patients lose normal use of their feet and legs slowly as their nerves stop working properly and their muscles deteriorate. "It's a progressive disease, and at this time there is no treatment,'' said Dr. Carlos Garcia, a professor of clinical neurology at Tulane. "Sometimes surgery can help, but I don't believe you can play basketball once you have these types of problems in your feet and your hands.'' At a news conference Sunday, MacCulloch tried to sound upbeat but choked back tears as he talked about making basketball "secondary.'' "It's been really difficult for me,'' the 27-year-old center said. "I feel I've had kind of a charmed life, a blessed life. ... I was just kind of wondering when things weren't going to go so well.'' MacCulloch's agent, Aaron Goodwin, did not immediately return a call Monday. The disease is hereditary. MacCulloch said his mother also suffers from poor balance and leg soreness, but has never been diagnosed with the syndrome. Doctors said if the diagnosis is accurate, MacCulloch's symptoms won't improve and will only worsen. "The likelihood of him returning would be low,'' said Dr. Shawn Bird, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. "An athlete who has already had to miss games because of the onset of symptoms might able to play for a bit while longer, but not at the same level.'' About 150,000 Americans have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, doctors said. MacCulloch has missed 16 games this season. He has averaged 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds in just over 19 minutes. The discomfort in his foot dates from late last season, when MacCulloch missed 20 games with the New Jersey Nets. The 76ers acquired MacCulloch and Keith Van Horn in the offseason for Dikembe Mutombo.
This is sad. Neurological disorders are scary to say the least. I personally had strange neurological symtoms last year that totaly freaked me out for 6 months. You take your brain for granted and when something goes haywire it can be very scary indeed. I just hope his disorder doesn't progress too fast.
Poor Todd. Forget basketaball, the poor guy may never live a healthy and normal life since his condition will continue to get worse.
I feel so badly for him. Todd is a player who really came out of nowhere to be a contributor, and solid player. Face it, he suffers from the the big-slow-white-guy syndrome that causes players like Joel Pryzbilla and Jason Collier to be pretty mediocre players. Todd was never a GREAT player, but he's always worked hard to make the most of his abilities, and become as good of a player as he can be. I hope he's able to cope with this disorder and live a fulfilling life without basketball.
It's very sad and painful to hear such a young man having a disease that will not only end his career but also effect for his life.He is a good player who worked very hard and had a short but productive career,I hope his health will improve with more medical advances and lead to a productive life.
I loved in College, and honestly thought he would be decent in the NBA, I just hope he is able to live as normal a life as possible. Good luck Todd
Condolences to MacCulloch on the CMT. However, congratulations on finding an occupation that will pay you enough in a couple of years to support you for life.
Geez...that sucks. Good luck, Todd. Wonder what Philly will do with the cap space? Guess they need a center.
