This is FTW Explains, a guide to catching up on stuff going on in the world. Chris Bosh has not played for the Miami Heat since the All-Star break, but there are rumblings that Bosh wants to return to the team now to help them with their playoff push. The Heat apparently have other ideas. Here’s all you need to know:
Who is this now?
Chris Bosh, he’s an All-Star big man for the Miami Heat.
What is the issue?
Bosh missed the final 29 games of this season after doctors discovered a blood clot in his leg. This happened last season as well, though the situation was more dire last year as the blood clot was in his lungs. Still, there is a concern with anyone with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism that clots can interfere with breathing and, in severe cases, functioning of the heart. He is now taking blood thinners to treat the issue.
(Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports)
So what’s the big deal?
According to ESPN’s Dan Le Batard, Bosh wants to play. His wife also sent out the following tweet during a game this playoffs:
Bosh returned to the bench for the first time since before the All-Star break. It appears the Heat are the ones making the decision to keep him off the court.
As team spokesman Tim Donovan said: “There is no update. He is still out indefinitely.”
Why wouldn’t the Heat want him in?
There are serious concerns about allowing someone to play a professional sport while taking blood thinners. Blood clots nearly ended the career of former NHL player Kimmo Timomen, though he did come back to win a Stanley Cup with Chicago in 2015.
A hard elbow could result in severe internal bleeding. The Heat have to want the best for Bosh, or, if you’re more cynical about it, want to prevent their liability if they let him play before it’s safe to do so.
Robert Mayer/USA TODAY Sports
This isn’t how this normally goes, is it?
No. Teams are usually the ones accused of rushing players back before they’re ready, or not listening to doctors and preventing players from putting themselves at risk. This is unusual, especially with the Heat trying to win an NBA title … and LeBron James looming in the next round.
What happens now?
It appears that the NBA Players Association is getting involved on Bosh’s behalf. On Tuesday, the NBPA issued a statement saying “Our top priority is Chris’ health and well-being. We have spoken with Chris and his agent, and have reached out to the Miami Heat. We are hopeful that all parties involved can meet as soon as possible to resolve the situation.”
