New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday is taking his family's health over his career.
Holiday's wife, Lauren – a two-time Olympic gold medalist for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team – retired last year, planning to start a family.
The two are expecting their first child sometime this NBA season, but doctors have discovered a small benign tumor in the right side of her brain after she had experienced painful headaches, according to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com
While the tumor is operable, it would have to wait until after the baby's birth as it may present complications.
Jrue is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Pelicans to attend to his wife and their newborn.
“My family comes before basketball,” said Holiday. “I'm obviously blessed to play this game and be in the position I am in, but my wife is the most important thing in the world to me. She comes before anything else.”
The Pelicans have been incredibly receptive and understanding of Jrue's family situation, even encouraging his decision.
“The most important thing for Jrue to do right now is be with his wife and family,” head coach Alvin Gentry said in a statement. “Every one of our coaches and players understands what Lauren and Jrue are going through, and they know we're behind them 100 percent.
We'll continue to do everything we can to support them and help them get through these hard times.”
The Pelicans will have to resort to Tim Frazier or Tyreke Evans (if healthy) to run the point in Jrue Holiday's absence.
Follow Us
Subscribe