Emmanuel Negedu's career at New Mexico is over

Sad news coming out of New Mexico today as it has been announced that Emmanuel Negedu's basketball career is over.

If you remember, back in September of 2009 when Negedu was still at Tennessee, he was working out in the school's football facility when his heart stopped. He had to be revived by a defibrillator. Negedu had an internal defibrillator implanted near his heart, which was enough for Lobos head coach Steve Alford to accept Negedu as a transfer into the program last fall.


Things were going well. After 10 games, Negedu was averaging 4.7 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 14.4 mpg, but most importantly, he was playing basketball. That all changed at halftime of a December 19th game against The Citadel. His internal defibrillator gave a reading that forced New Mexico trainers to sit Negedu for the second half, and he never returned to competition.

"The most important thing about the situation is Emmanuel's health," said head coach Steve Alford in a statement. "It's unfortunate that due to health concerns he will no longer be able to participate. However, Emmanuel will continue to be a vital member of Lobo basketball on a daily basis. He will remain on scholarship and work hard towards attaining his degree as well as continue to get the medical care he needs."

"Emmanuel and I both very much appreciate all the efforts of the UNM medical staff that continues to ensure his good health."

Negedu has already received a medical disqualification waiver, which means that the NCAA will allow New Mexico to honor Negedu's scholarship without having him count against the 13 scholarship players they are allowed.

You never want to see a kid's career end this way.

That said, the ending could have been much, much different, and that hits way too close to home. If the outcome of this situation is that Negedu simply receives an education and goes on to live a full life outside of basketball, its a win.

Its obviously disappointing, but he's alive.