Rhett, Player With Pacemaker, Collapses During Second Half
Joe Rhett, South Carolina’s senior forward who plays with a pacemaker, was reported in good condition after collapsing during the second half of Saturday night’s game against Mississippi State.
Rhett, who was taken to Richland Memorial Hospital as a precautionary measure, had a heart problem during the 1989-90 season and had a pacemaker implanted. He had played during the two seasons since the procedure without incident.
Dr. Robert Schulze, who installed Rhett’s pacemaker, said he was unsure if the collapse was related to an earlier heart condition.
“I anticipate he will be in the hospital approximately three days, and he may require medication,” Schulze said in a handwritten statement. “At this time it is uncertain whether or not he will be able to return to playing basketball, but the strong possibility exists that he may.”
Rhett was carried off the floor with 17:54 remaining in the second half of a game won by Mississippi State, 60-57.
According to team physician Bill McKenzie, Rhett “either lost consciousness or nearly lost consciousness” and was taken from the court.
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