NBA legend Isiah Thomas has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.
The 63-year-old NBA Hall of Famer opened up about the news during a recent appearance on Marc Jackson’s ‘Come And Talk 2 Me’ podcast.
The condition causes sudden weakness in muscles on one side of a person’s face and usually improves all the time. In a small amount of cases, people have symptoms for life.
‘I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well, Isiah’s sick. What is he going through?” Thomas said. ‘I haven’t really told anybody, but I’ve got Bell’s palsy.
‘That’s why you see me like this. I appreciate the prayers and the love. That’s what’s happening with my mouth right now. I just wanted everyone to know that.’
Thomas also addressed the issue on NBA TV, telling viewers: ‘I just want to say thank you to all of you who have supported me this past month.
NBA legend Isiah Thomas has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy
‘As you know, I’ve got a little bit of Bell’s palsy. I’m dealing with it, I’m showing up. I want everybody to know I appreciate your prayers. Thank you for everything.’
‘It’s a temporary condition, it’s going to get better over time. But thank you for hanging with me.’
Thomas is widely considered to be one of the greatest guards in the history of the NBA.
He spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Detroit Pistons and won two NBA Championships.
After his playing career finished, Thomas became head coach of the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks.
Last season, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid – currently in hot water for shouting at a female referee – said he had Bell’s pallsy.
