More on Nelson
UCLA freshman forward Reeves Nelson was medically cleared for the team's weekend matchups at Arizona and Arizona State, but sometime Thursday, Nelson grew apprehensive about his return.
And for good reason.
"There's a situation where my granny - who I grew up with and basically helped raise me - has two detached retinas, so there's a hereditary concern," Nelson said. "Also, I have a little anxiety myself of not being able to play 100 percent and help the most I could to win. I don't want to shortchange the guys by not going 100 percent."
For any fans who question Nelson's toughness, quite frankly, it was not an easy decision. Nelson appeared pained just talking about the situation, which came about after doctors at the Jule Stein Eye Institute discovered a slight retina tear in his left eye during a follow-up visit to check his right eye, which was injured two weeks ago against Washington State. That injury followed another freak occurrence early in the season, when Nelson was poked in the eye against Kansas.
"When I got poked in the eye, they didn't see anything wrong with my retina," Nelson said. "Once they said something was wrong (after the latest check-up), my granny immediately came to mind."
Nelson said his decision not to play was both well thought-out and instantaneous at the same time.
"It was a slow process, but there was a point where I had a moment where I was like, 'I need to talk to coach right now and see what's up."
Sitting and watching UCLA's disappointing loss however - the Bruins were up 14 in the second half and lost by five - was not easy. He said during his chat with the media that he would've like to have played the whole game.
But with the history of eye problems and the hereditary concerns, it just wasn't going to happen. Not after doctors confirmed the possibility of further injury.
"They just said there's a chance that if there's a history of retina problems in your family, then there's more of a chance of it getting injured," Nelson said.
Goggles would have solved it? Tough kid though.
Good call. Shut it down until next year if needed.
This is how promising careers come to unanticipated, premature ends. shut it down until you're sure.
This kid is tougher than titanium nails, he gets a pass on this one. Not worth the risk of permanent eye damage. I say shut it down for now, we're not going to the dance anyway.
Young Reeves owes it to himself to ensure that his eye is 100% before he goes back on the court.
The danger with a detached or torn retina is not just the potential of getting another finger in that eye. Any jarring of his head could further exacerbate the condition.
I agree with Keith...shut it down. The young man doesn't need to have a permanently damaged eye for the sake of the team.
Time is the best healer.
we love you reeves! get that eye healed up for next season baby!