Injured eye causes Spurs' Parker to rethink Olympics
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, of France, heads to the huddle during the second half. (June 2, 2012) Credit: AP
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker said he might miss the Olympics after revealing he almost lost his eye in a New York nightclub incident earlier this month.
Parker was at the club when a fight broke out between musical artist Chris Brown and entourage members of hip-hop star Drake.
In an interview posted on his website Sunday, Parker said an additional round of medical tests last week found that a shard of glass had "penetrated 99 percent" of his left eye. The injury was initially thought to be a scratched cornea.
"I can say today, I almost lost my eye," he said, adding that it negatively affected him mentally. "I hallucinate. I just spent eight days trapped in my hotel. I was not allowed out to prevent infection. I was so afraid that I have not left my room.
"I asked myself many questions. I cannot believe that happened to me a month before the Games. Every two hours, I have five different products to put in the eye."
Parker also confirmed in the interview he was suing the nightclub, W.i.P. (Work in Progress). Media reports said he was seeking damages of $20 million, citing negligent security and supervision in allowing the fight to occur.
Parker, 30, would be the top player on a relatively strong French team at the Olympics. Without him, though, the French field a less imposing roster with NBA players Joakim Noah, Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw.
Parker said he would decide on the Olympics after consulting with a New York eye specialist July 5. France begins play July 29 against the United States.
The Spurs would have a large say in whether he played in London, Parker said. "The Spurs are very worried," he said.
