A four-year starter for Xavier from 1990 through 1994, Brian Grant was one of those guys you can never envision getting old. But the Georgetown, Ohio native is now 37 and afflicted, he revealed Monday to ESPN, with Parkinson's disease.
It was bad knees that forced him into retirement after a 12-year NBA career, his last season was with the Lakers in 2006. He experienced tremors in his hand last summer and was diagnosed in January, with young onset Parkinson's.
He told ESPN that he consulted Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali, and quickly implemented several lifestyle changes. Grant, who now lives in Portland, Oregon, says a combination of traditional and non-traditional treatments – such as several doses daily of vitamins, herbs, powders and cod-liver oil – have already helped some symptoms subside.
"Just me believing in a positive spirit will take me father in the long run, " Grant said.
A sentiment echoed by Miami Heat president, Pat Riley. "Brian Grant is one of the greatest team players and warriors that I have ever coached. I'm saddened by this news. Brian will find a way to fight this because that is the way he's always been, a fighter. He will overcome this."
Anyone and everyone who's ever had any dealings with Brian Grant, could have said the same and will when given the chance.
