Texas H.S. Football Coach Accused Of Forcing Players To Do 400 Push-Ups ... Several Students Hospitalized
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Several Texas high school football players were hospitalized after their coach allegedly forced them do 400 push-ups as a form of discipline, according to multiple reports.
John Harrell, head football coach at Rockwall-Heath High School, was suspended and placed on administrative leave after a group of his players required medical attention following an off-season workout, according to FoxNews4.
Harrell, who's been with the program since 2019, is accused of making the students do "a large number of push-ups" as punishment for the athletes.
The alleged incident occurred on Friday during an off-season workout program. School principal Todd Bradford sent a letter to parents saying students "needed medical attention," with "some" requiring hospitalization.
The Dallas Morning News reports at least eight students were hospitalized.
One parent, whose child is hospitalized, says the players were made to do hundreds of push-ups in just an hour with no water or break.
The parent, who didn't wish to be identified, said their child was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood. Rhabdomyolysis can be fatal or result in permanent disability.
However, not everyone believes the coach was wrong. Junior team captain, Brady Luff, told media water was available to the players, and they could've left if they wanted.
"[Coach Harrell's] treated us with nothing but respect, and he loves every single one of us like his own," Luff said.
Meanwhile, the school district hired an "independent third party" to investigate the incident. They also issued a statement, saying, "The district is also taking interim action, including but not limited to, placing Coach Harrell on administrative leave while the investigation is pending and notifying appropriate outside agencies."
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Peyton Hillis Off Ventilator, 'On Road To Recovery' ... Girlfriend Says
Amazing news ... Peyton Hillis' girlfriend says the former NFL star is off the ventilator and now "on the road to recovery" -- just days after he suffered significant trauma in a swimming accident in Florida.
Singer and actress Angela Cole, who's been dating Hillis since at least 2021, provided the positive update on her social media page late Wednesday night ... writing in a caption on a video of the couple, "Please continue to pray for he's still got a ways ahead of him, but thank you for all of your prayers and love and support thus far. It truly makes all the difference."
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"Today was a good day," she added.
Hillis needed to be helicoptered to a hospital back on Jan. 4, after he reportedly jumped into the ocean on Pensacola Beach in order to save two of his children who were caught in riptides.
The former running back's uncle, Greg Hillis, said in a Facebook post after the accident that Peyton suffered kidney and lung damage in the rescue ... and in the ensuing days, things looked so dire, fans, family and friends actually held a prayer vigil for him in Arkansas.
But, according to Cole, Peyton's now on the mend.
"So proud of this man and so incredibly grateful for family and this incredible hospital," she said.
Peyton -- the cover athlete on the 2012 version of the Madden video game -- played in the NFL from 2008 through 2014, piling up 2,832 rushing yards and 23 rushing TDs.
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Texans' John Metchie III Kicking Cancers Ass, Could Return Wk 1 Next Season ... Says General Manager
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John Metchie III is inching closer to playing football again ... Texans GM Nick Caserio says the young wide receiver, diagnosed with cancer last year, could be ready to go by week 1 next season!
Caserio joined SportsRadio 610 in Houston Wednesday morning ... where he provided an update on the 22 year old, 2nd-round draft pick, who missed his entire rookie season because of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL).
"I'd say there's a chance that he'll be ready for the start of the offseason program," Caserio said. "I think there are still some things that he has to complete or go through. Quite frankly, it's amazing what he's done to this point."
"He actually looks better now than he did when we drafted him in the spring," Caserio said. "He's improved his strength, he's improved his lower body strength. His attitude has been great, even though he's been dealing with a lot of things medically."
Metchie was diagnosed with APL -- a blood cancer characterized by a marked increase in a type of white blood cells known as promyelocytes -- last July, and spent last season fighting the disease. Fortunately, doctors said APL is the "most curable form of Leukemia."
The Texans selected Metchie in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft ... after he started for Nick Saban at Alabama. Metchie compiled over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns in his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide.
During the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" initiative earlier this season, the Texans wide receivers, led by veteran Brandin Cooks, paid homage to Metchie with custom cleats that read "Metchie Strong" in honor of his fight against cancer.
While Caserio didn't give a definitive date for Metchie's return to the field, he did sound encouraged the receiver is making positive strides in the right direction.
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Jeff Beck Dead at 78
Jeff Beck, a guitar legend who first made a name for himself back in the '60s, has died.
In an announcement Wednesday, his family said, "On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."
Of course, the death comes as a surprise to many, especially given the fact Beck just did a series of shows with his longtime friend, Johnny Depp.
Beck and Depp took the stage around the world following Johnny's trial with Amber Heard -- where crowds flocked to shows to not only watch the musicians in action, but to voice their support for Depp, too.
Johnny and Beck released a cover of John Lennon's "Isolation" in 2020.
Born in England, Beck first gained momentum with the Yardbirds and then became the frontman for the Jeff Beck Group as well as Beck, Bogert & Appice. He's won the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance 6 times and once for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
He was also inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice ... as a solo artist in 2009, and with the Yardbirds in 1992.
5/30/22
Beck was 78.
8/9/16
RIP
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Michael Flatley Fighting 'Aggressive' Cancer
Michael Flatley's battling cancer again ... but this time he says it's an "aggressive form" and he's already gone under the knife.
The "Lord of the Dance" creator revealed his diagnosis Wednesday, saying he's "been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer."
Michael also says he's "undergone surgery and is in the care of an excellent team of doctors" ... and now he's asking for prayers and well-wishes.
The "Riverdance" legend has already beaten cancer once ... just last year Michael revealed how he fought skin cancer way back in 2003, crediting a fan for spotting the early signs of malignant melanoma on his body.
Michael's on the record saying his first bout with cancer changed his outlook on life ... he says it made him want to live every moment, gave him more focus on his career, and taught him to value friends and loved ones more than material possessions.
It's unclear what type of cancer Michael is battling this time around ... but here's hoping he beats the disease again.
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Damar Hamlin Released From Buffalo Hospital ... I'm Going Home!!!
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Damar Hamlin has been released from the hospital and is going home ... 10 days after going into cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football, the Bills announced Wednesday morning!
24-year-old Hamlin made incredible strides during his recovery ... and was transported by air from UC Medical Center in Cincinnati on Monday to Buffalo General Medical Center.
But, Hamlin was still in the hospital ... eating hospital food, and sleeping in a hospital bed.
That is until Wednesday morning, when doctors say they made the determination Hamlin was healthy enough to continue treatment at home.
Damar's critical care physician, Jamie Nadler, MD, provided an update on Hamlin's condition, saying, "We have completed a series of tests and evaluations, and in consultation with the team physicians, we are confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills."
Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Suffered Cardiac Arrest On Field, In Critical Condition
Of course, Hamlin collapsed after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins during last week's MNF matchup ... and required CPR and defibrillation in the stadium.
Hamlin was resuscitated and taken to a local Intensive Care Unit for treatment. The outlook appeared bleak in the beginning ... however, Damar recovered at an astounding pace.
The country rallied around Damar ... hundreds of thousands of people donated millions of dollars to the young player's charity fundraiser.
Welcome home, Damar!!
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Damar Hamlin Applies For Trademarks ... 'Did We Win' & 'Three Is Back'
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Damar Hamlin has applied for two trademarks following his scary medical emergency last week ... TMZ Sports has confirmed he's seeking to own the phrases, "Did We Win" and "Three Is Back."
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office records, Hamlin filed for the trademarks on Jan. 6 -- just days after he went into cardiac arrest on the field during the Bills vs. Bengals "Monday Night Football" game.
As part of the application for the trademarks, the records show Hamlin is intending to use the phrases on shirts, clothing jerseys, sweatshirts, hats, pants, shorts, and jackets ... plus printed and downloadable posters, mugs, and ornamental novelty pins.
The applications also list educational and entertainment services for "motivational and educational speakers in the field of self- and personal improvement" and "health care services in the nature of athletic training."
Damar Hamlin Asked Nurse Who Won Bills-Bengals Game, Condition Improving
Of course, the "Did We Win" phrase became iconic and associated with Hamlin after doctors said those were some of the first words he uttered after he woke up at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
The 24-year-old has already created and put out "Did We Win?" shirts ... tweeting earlier this month they were a way to give back to the UC Trauma Center.
"We all won," Hamlin said revealing the tees. "Proceeds of this shirt will go to first responders and the UC Trauma Center. Go get yours!"
Since the scary incident, Hamlin has shown amazing progress ... and was just transferred to a Buffalo hospital where he's undergoing further testing with the hopes that he'll be released soon.
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'RHOC' Kelly Dodd Husband's Scary Car Crash ... 'I'm Lucky to Be Alive'
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Kelly Dodd's husband, Rick Leventhal, just shared a health update from his hospital bed ... he says he suffered 4 broken ribs in the car crash, plus a fractured foot.
Rick says he was driving on the I-10 and was about 40 minutes away from Palm Desert when his car hydroplaned and he lost control of the wheel, started spinning across multiple lanes of traffic and crashed into a wall.
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Kelly's hubby says he also smashed into a tractor trailer, with the car windshield shattering and airbags being deployed. He says the truck driver helped him out and he thinks the airbags broke his ribs.
Kelly Dodd's husband, Rick Leventhal, is in the emergency room after being involved in a nasty car accident -- seemingly related to SoCal's fierce storms -- and he says he's fortunate he's not dead.
The 'Real Housewives of Orange County' alum just posted video of her husband's crash and she tells TMZ ... Rick was driving her white Mercedes-Benz S-Class out to Palm Desert, CA Tuesday when the accident happened on a wet and slick freeway.
Kelly says Rick suffered broken ribs and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. We're told the car was totaled, but Rick will be okay.
Kelly's asking for prayers on social media, and they've already canceled their Wednesday podcast episode for "The Rick & Kelly Show!"
Rick commented on Kelly's post, saying ... "Honestly I'm lucky to be alive. Scariest moments of my life. This makes everything even more meaningful ❤️."
California's still getting hammered by a fierce winter storm that's causing evacuations, deaths and tons of problems all over the state and it appears the rain may have played a role in Rick's crash.
Kelly wasn't with Rick at the time of the crash ... she's on a trip to Aspen.
Originally Published -- 4:44 PM PT
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Damar Hamlin Still Undergoing Tests ... 'Not Home Quite Just Yet'
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Damar Hamlin says he's receiving the best care as he undergoes -- and passes -- more health-related tests at a Buffalo hospital ... asking his supporters to keep praying for him as he continues to recover.
"Not home quite just yet," the Buffalo Bills safety tweeted minutes ago. "Still doing & passing a bunch of tests."
"Special thank-you to Buffalo General it’s been nothing but love since arrival!"
As we previously reported, 24-year-old Hamlin has improved to the point where he was discharged from UC Medical Center on Monday ... and he flew back to Buffalo to undergo more treatment.
Hamlin has made incredible strides since suffering cardiac arrest during the Bills vs. Bengals matchup on Monday Night Football ... and was able to watch his team take care of business from his hospital room on Sunday.
In fact, the physicians who took care of Hamlin say he was so pumped about the win, he set off all the alarms in the ICU!!
Doctors say it's still too early to talk about a return to football ... but all that really matters is Hamlin is getting back to his old self prior to the medical emergency.
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Odell Beckham Jr. Balls Out In Pickup Hoops Game ... Knee Looks Great!!!
Here it is -- Odell Beckham Jr.'s repaired knee back in action during a recent pickup basketball game ... and the NFL superstar looks GOOD!!
The 30-year-old free agent hasn't played a down of football since going down with a torn ACL in the Super Bowl last February ... and despite visiting with several potential teams, he remains without a home.
While fans almost certainly won't see him on the field this season, he's improved to the point where he was able to hit the hardwood in Miami on Jan. 6 ... showing off his impressive skills in the process.
OBJ -- wearing an "I Love Oral Sex" shirt for some reason -- backs down his defender and squeezes past him for a finger roll ... and follows up with some solid defense, stealing the ball and hitting his teammate with an alley-oop off the glass on a fast break.
He also displayed some serious range in the sesh ... draining a long three-pointer.
Odell didn't work out for any teams throughout his free agency tour -- which is reportedly why the Dallas Cowboys didn't pull the trigger on signing him -- but based on how he looks in the clips, it won't be long before he laces up the cleats again.
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'Madden' Video Game Removing CPR Celebration ... After Damar Hamlin Crisis
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The CPR touchdown celebration in the Madden video game franchise will be no more ... TMZ Sports has learned EA Sports is in the process of removing the animation in wake of the Damar Hamlin emergency last week.
A spokesperson for the gaming giant tells us ... the virtual end zone dance will be taken away as part of an update to "Madden NFL 23" in the next few days.
The celebration has been a popular one amongst gamers this year -- as it allowed players who scored TDs to pretend they were in need, while other avatars raced in to administer CPR in an effort to "revive" them.
Many, however, are now finding the animations to be insensitive and crass ... considering Hamlin actually needed the life-saving efforts during the Bills vs. Bengals game last Monday night.
Surprisingly, real-life NFL players didn't do away with the celebration on Sunday despite the scene in Cincinnati ... with the Pittsburgh Steelers mimicking CPR following a big play against the Cleveland Browns.
People from across the world are not happy with the Steelers “CPR” celebration in light of Damar Hamlin’s life threatening injury that just happened earlier this week 👀 pic.twitter.com/2YlNv0WfXa
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 9, 2023 @DailyLoud
For his part, Steelers LB Alex Highsmith apologized on Monday for his role in the post-play antics ... but no word yet if the NFL has had, or will, have words with the guys over it all.
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Damar Hamlin Released From UC Medical Center ... Transfers to Buffalo Hospital
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Damar Hamlin was discharged from the UC Medical Center and transferred to a Buffalo hospital on Monday ... one week after his terrifying on-field health scare.
Dr. Knight and Dr. Pritts -- the physicians who provided round-the-clock care for the Bills safety following the on-field incident -- announced the update just minutes ago ... saying they are thrilled with the improvements he's made in such a short amount of time.
The docs say 24-year-old Damar was up and walking ... and exhibiting his usual sense of humor prior to being released from the hospital. He will now go to a Buffalo facility, where he will undergo further testing.
The docs say they wanted Damar's condition to improve to "fair" or "good" before traveling ... and he met that criteria Monday morning.
As we previously reported, the Bills played in Hamlin's honor against the Patriots on Sunday ... and #3 was watching from his hospital room.
In fact, the docs say Hamlin was jumping up and down when teammate Nyheim Hines ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown ... which set off all the alarms in the ICU.
The docs say they traveled with Hamlin to the airport on Monday ... and while the development is a step in the right direction, it's still too early to discuss his football future.
"He still has a little bit of a ways to go in terms of his ongoing recovery," Dr. Knight said. "We're thrilled to where he is today. He's up, he's walking around, he's got an amazing, genuine sense of humor and his family is amazing and we're happy he's with them but in terms of any kind of conjecture to his future, that's still significantly in the future and it's gonna be up to Damar and a great team of physicians to help him."
Hamlin sent out a tweet to his supporters following the news ... saying, "Headed home to Buffalo today with a lot of love on my heart."
"Watching the world come together around me on Sunday was truly an amazing feeling."
He added ... "The same love you all have shown me is the same love that I plan to put back into the world n more. Bigger than football!"
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CTV Reporter Suffers Scary Medical Emergency Live On Air ... 'I'm Not Feeling Very Well'
3:26 PM PT -- Jessica Robb just released a statement about the incident, saying, "On Sunday night, a very personal and vulnerable moment unfolded as I reported live on air. Since then, it has been shared thousands of times, along with baseless theories about the cause."
She says, "To everyone who has reached out with supportive messages of well wishes and concern, thank you. It's been overwhelming, and while I can't get to all the messages, please know I've seen them and appreciate every single one. I have also received an overwhelming amount of harassment and hatred, tied to false theories about the reason for the incident."
She continues, "While I will not share private medical information publicly, I can say that there is no cause for concern, and that my understanding of my own medical background provides a reasonable explanation for what happened. I can, however, confirm that the situation was in no way related to the COVID-19 vaccine."
A Canadian TV journalist suffered a medical emergency in the middle of her report ... and the scary moment was broadcast live on air.
CTV reporter Jessica Robb was on a live shot Sunday night with anchor Nahreman Issa when Jessica suddenly became unable to get her message out, stumbling over her words and apologizing before appearing to lose her balance.
Before she starts to wabble, Jessica says ... "Sorry, Nahreman, I'm, I'm, I'm not feeling very well right now, and I'm about to just ..." and then the camera cuts away.
Nahreman assured viewers Jessica was not alone in the field and promised the news program would share an update on Jessica's status later on in the broadcast.
CTV Edmonton confirmed Jessica's medical issue in a tweet, but it sounds like she's going to pull through. The station says, "Thanks to everyone who inquired about our reporter who became ill during the 6 PM News. Jessica Robb is feeling better and is now resting."
Originally Published -- 10:28 AM PT
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Prince Harry Drowned His Sorrows In Booze & Cocaine ... No Contact with Brother or Dad for Some Time
Prince Harry says he was so distraught over the death of his mother -- Princess Diana -- that he resorted to heavy drinking and taking drugs -- including cocaine -- to deal with all the grief.
Harry made the stunning admission to Anderson Cooper on "60 Minutes" Sunday night as part of the Duke of Sussex's media blitz for his controversial memoir titled, "Spare," which is out tomorrow.
As for the relationship between Harry and his immediate family, it seems fully ruptured. Harry says he would like to clear the air and resume a familial relationship, but based on the public allegations he's made over the last 6 months, it seems like wishful thinking.
Anderson set the stage, asking Harry if he blamed the paparazzi for their alleged role in the 1997 car crash that claimed Diana's life in Paris when he was only 12.
Harry responded, "Yeah, I mean, it was obvious to us as kids the British press' part in our mother's misery and I had a lot of anger inside of me that luckily, I never expressed to anybody."
He continued ... "But I resorted to drinking heavily. Because I wanted to numb the feeling, or I wanted to distract myself from how … whatever I was thinking. And I would, you know, resort to drugs as well."
In a voiceover, Anderson noted Harry smoked weed and ingested cocaine because the prince felt "hopeless" and "lost" in his late 20's.
Harry then revealed he was unable to cry over his mom's death due to the burden he felt, so he tried experimental treatments using hallucinogenic mushrooms and other psychedelics.
"I would never recommend people to do this recreationally," Harry said. "But doing it with the right people if you are suffering from a huge amount of loss, grief or trauma, then these things have a way of working as a medicine."
He added that the treatments wiped away the idea "that I needed to cry to prove to my mother that I missed her when, in fact, all she wanted was for me to be happy."
To close the painful chapter, Harry said he reviewed the police file containing images showing cameramen snapping photos of Diana lying dead in the car.
He also visited the accident scene to confirm his belief that the paps chasing Diana caused the deadly collision -- instead of his mom's chauffeur, whom the police said was to blame because he had been drinking.
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White Sox Star Liam Hendriks Diagnosed With Cancer ... Vows To Beat It
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Chicago White Sox star Liam Hendriks -- arguably the best closer in the MLB -- has been diagnosed with cancer ... and is slated to begin treatment for the disease ASAP.
The right-handed pitcher revealed the news on his social media page Sunday -- saying docs recently discovered he had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He went on to say he'll begin medical care to try to eradicate it all on Monday.
The 33-year-old, though, vowed to beat it ... saying he's going to use "the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life."
"I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible," Hendriks said.
"I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this."
Several MLB stars commented on three-time All-Star's post ... including future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera, who left praying hands emojis.
Hendriks has been in the major leagues since 2011, but has blossomed into one of the game's best just recently. He had a breakout year with the Oakland A's in 2019 -- and has gone on to become one of the most reliable ninth-inning guys in baseball since.
Liam Hendriks is electric. 😤 pic.twitter.com/9EfqPnuBRa
— MLB (@MLB) August 17, 2021 @MLB
The White Sox -- who signed Hendriks to a 3-year, $54 million contract in 2021 -- said Sunday night they plan to help the pitcher on his journey to recovery ... adding they're "optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable."
"We're all with you, Liam!," the team said in a trio of tweets. "You've got this, 31."
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Clipper Darrell I'm Still Backing Clips Despite KO Punch ... But I'm Still Hurting
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No, Clipper Darrell ain't on his way to becoming Celtic Darrell after being punched at a game earlier this month ... the L.A. superfan tells TMZ Sports he's still in love with the Clippers -- even if he's still ailing from the knockout blow.
We broke the story ... the iconic NBA fan -- real name Darrell Bailey -- was left unconscious after a Crypto.com Arena security guard socked him in the face following a dispute at the Clippers' game against Boston back on Dec. 12.
DECEMBER 2022
Darrell told us at the time he was left in a load of pain -- and he actually had to be taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Many wondered if the situation would sour his feelings on Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the rest of the guys on the hardwood -- but the 55-year-old told us this week he ain't going anywhere ... even if the experience he had with the arena staffer was traumatic.
"I look forward to returning to Crypto.com Arena to root for my 2023 NBA Championship Clippers!" he said. "Let's Go Clippers Let's Go!!!"
JULY 2019
Darrell did add he's still hurting from the punch -- saying he's continuing to receive medical care for his ailments. But, he did appear to be in better spirits.
"What happened that night came as a complete shock, and it left me heartbroken," he said. "I'm still dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of being assaulted and knocked unconscious by the AEG security guard. I'd like to thank the fans, athletes, the Clippers organization, and AEG for their love and support and for reaching out to me to check on my health and well-being."
"I'd ask that my privacy be respected while I continue treatment for my injuries."
Get better soon, CD.