Former NBA player Anthony Mason, who had stints with the New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, is in critical condition after suffering a massive heart attack, according to sources close to Mason who spoke with the New York Post.
The newspaper reports that Mason, 48, who played for the Knicks for five seasons and was a fan favorite for his tenacious defense, is in grave condition at an area hospital.
While there has been no official word on Mason's health, former New York Post NBA columnist Peter Vecsey broke the news when he tweeted, "Sickened 2 report, ex-Knick Anthony Mason fighting 4 life. Congestive heart failure, heart attack, 4 surgeries, last one 9 hrs. Sons by side."
According to Vecsey's Twitter timeline, Mason suffered the heart attack at the hospital where he had gone to undergo tests. The massive, 6-foot-7-inch power forward's weight had ballooned since leaving the NBA, and according to the Post, he was some 90 pounds above his playing weight, tipping the scales at 350 pounds.
The Knicks have not issued any statements but did tweet, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Mason and his family. #Knicks," before Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic.
Former Knicks point guard Mark Jackson also tweeted his well wishes: "Praying for my former teammate Anthony Mason!!!"
According to the Post, Mason averaged 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds in his 13 seasons in the NBA.
Read more at the New York Post.