SuperSonics’ Gill Collapses; No Word on Playing Status

The Seattle SuperSonics had a scary moment Tuesday when guard Kendall Gill apparently fainted and went to the floor during the team’s midday practice.

Gill was later evaluated and did not travel with the team Tuesday evening for tonight’s game at Sacramento.

Gill was not available for comment. Neither SuperSonic President Bob Whitsitt, who was at the workout, nor Coach George Karl would discuss the incident.

The incident appears related to periodic migraine headaches that have bothered Gill in his three previous NBA seasons, and have continued in his first year with Seattle.

Tuesday’s incident occurred early in the practice when the session was still closed to the media. According to witnesses, Gill was running the court when he dropped to the floor. Gill apparently lost consciousness briefly.

“He just fell and went down,” assistant coach Bob Kloppenburg said. “They said when he came out of it, he kind of wondered what happened.”

A collapse is frightening in a league still stunned by the off-season death of Boston Celtic guard Reggie Lewis, who collapsed in an April 29, 1993, playoff game with Charlotte. Lewis collapsed again and died of a heart condition on July 27.

Some other players also said they could not comment, but forward Detlef Schrempf confirmed the incident.

“He fainted and he didn’t move for a while,” Schrempf said. “I’ve never been around anybody with migraines so it’s a new experience. I hope he’s all right.”