Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hospitalized due to broken hip after fall
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar fell and broke his hip at a concert Friday in Los Angeles and will undergo surgery Saturday.
Deborah Morales, Abdul-Jabbar's longtime business partner, made the announcement Saturday afternoon. It's unclear what show Abdul-Jabbar was attending.
Medical Statement from Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s longtime Business Partner, Deborah Morales
“Last night while attending a concert , Kareem had an accidental fall and broke his hip. He will have surgery today. We are all deeply appreciative of all the support for Kareem,…— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) December 16, 2023
Abdul-Jabbar, an all-time great who played 20 seasons in the NBA, has dealt with multiple health issues in his retirement. He beat chronic myeloid leukemia in 2008, underwent coronary bypass surgery in 2015 and was open about his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2020.
Three years ago, the six-time MVP penned an essay describing himself as "fortunate" to survive prostate cancer. He wrote about his medical experience as an ideal outcome, highlighting racial disparities in the healthcare system.
"I’ve been fortunate because my celebrity has brought me enough financial security to receive excellent medical attention," he wrote. "But while I’m grateful for my advantages, I’m acutely aware that many others in the Black community do not have the same options and that it is my responsibility to join with those fighting to change that. Because Black lives are at risk. Serious risk."
Abdul-Jabbar retired in 1989 after playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a social justice champion throughout his career, an effort he has continued in retirement.
