Suns’ Barkley Collapses During Practice Session : Pro basketball: He remains on floor for more than 30 minutes. Team doctor says symptoms are consistent with a disk problem.

Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns collapsed while running wind sprints Saturday night at training camp and remained on the floor for more than 30 minutes.

“It scared me to death. I couldn’t move my legs at all,” Barkley said. “It was like my legs started going into the floor. I couldn’t lift my feet.”

Appearing shaken, Barkley said he felt his back and legs tightening as he ran.

“This is the first time anything like this has happened to me. Right now, I’m a little scared and nervous. But I know I’m in good hands.”

Richard Emerson, the team physician, said Barkley would return to Phoenix to have tests done on his lower back. Barkley was treated for a bulging disk in his lower back in August.

Barkley, the NBA’s most valuable player in 1992-93 when the Suns reached the NBA finals, was leading a sprint with several teammates after the Suns had completed scrimmaging when he pitched forward and collapsed. He said his left leg went numb when he went down.

Emerson said the symptoms are consistent with a disk problem, but he said it will be late today before any diagnosis can be made.

Radiologists performed tests on Barkley in August after he felt discomfort in his left hamstring. The exam revealed the bulging disk.

Barkley said he played with some numbness in his leg since his days at Auburn, but never thought too much of it.

Emerson said 90% of disk-related injuries can be treated with bed rest, but serious problems can require surgery.