Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng In ER, Underwent Spinal Tap After Flu Symtoms Worsen
By Josh Hill
The Chicago Bulls are in a unique and frustrating position in the postseason. Not only are they battling the Brooklyn Nets to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but they’re battling a nasty bug going around their locker room, one that has landed All-Star forward Luol Deng in the emergency room.
As a result of the spinal tap I suffered the worst headache I've ever experienced and been the weakest I've ever felt.
— Luol Deng (@LuolDeng9) May 3, 2013
Now I'm back in the ER where I may have to spend the night... I want my teammates and Bulls fans to know I would NEVER miss a game bc of flu
— Luol Deng (@LuolDeng9) May 3, 2013
This caused some serious concern that Deng would miss the Bulls decisive Game 7 matchup with the Nets on Saturday, but it was also a response to those saying Deng took the game off with a mild illness. Not only was Deng legitimately ill, he wanted Bulls fans and critics to know that he doesn’t just take games off for a simple headache.
Furthermore, Deng didn’t miss the game on whim, as he reportedly had a spinal tap which caused him to miss Wednesday’s game. The forward also cleared up any doubt that he’ll miss Game 7, as he says if he’s medically cleared to fly with the team to Brooklyn for Saturday’s game he’s going to try and play.
If I'm medically cleared I will fly to NY to be with my team and try to win game 7
— Luol Deng (@LuolDeng9) May 3, 2013
But this isn’t a case where Deng has been cleared but isn’t mentally ready to play. The guy had a spinal tap and was admitted to ER due to how sick he was, and I think that’s a sufficient excuse if I’ve ever heard one.
Hopefully Deng can recover in time for the Bulls big Game 7 showdown in Brooklyn, as they’ll need all the help they can get to finish out a series they looked to have in the bag last weekend.