13 year NBA veteran, Anthony Mason, suffered a heart attack and is “fighting for his life” due to complications from congestive heart failure, according to NBA writer Peter Vescey.
Raised in Queens, NY, Mason played collegiately at Tennessee State before being drafted and cut by the Portland Trailblazers. After stints overseas and in the CBA, Pat Riley of the NY Knicks gave him his big shot, and he delivered. For five years he formed one of the most intimidating front courts in the league with Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley, winning the Sixth Man of the Year Award in the 1994-1995 season.
According to CBSsports.com, Mason, 48, has undergone four surgeries, with the last operation lasting nine hours.
NBA friends and family sent out their well wishes through Twitter:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Mason and his family. #Knicks
NBA New York Knicks (@nyknicks) February 11, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Mason and his family.
Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 12, 2015
Everybody please pray for former NBA player Anthony Mason as I just read on ESPN he’s fighting for his life.
Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 12, 2015