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WNBA Seattle Storm

Seattle Storm Head Coach Brian Agler Statement

August 19, 2008 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Seattle Storm News Release


STATEMENT FROM SEATTLE STORM HEAD COACH BRIAN AGLER:

"We are disappointed to hear the news about Lauren's impending surgery, but support her decision to repair her ankle immediately," Storm Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Brian Agler said. "We look forward to Lauren's return to Seattle, and meanwhile are focused on preparing to resume the regular season and earn a spot in the playoffs."

AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE STATEMENT REGARDING LAUREN JACKSON:

Australian women's basketball captain Lauren Jackson will undergo routine arthroscopic surgery in Sydney next week to alleviate an ankle complaint which has troubled her in recent months.

Over the past three months, Jackson has been hampered by ankle inflammation which has been carefully managed in recent weeks by the Australian Olympic basketball team medical staff. Jackson is receiving maximal medical and physiotherapy treatment, and has required repeated ankle injections to allow her to compete at the Olympics.

Despite responding to treatment, Jackson is playing and training with pain that is highly likely to be flared with upcoming games, making play at the WNBA final series unlikely without surgery. A recent MRI scan revealed an impingement at the front of the right ankle joint which is the result of cumulative wear and tear over recent years.

The Australian Olympic team medical staff have managed the injury throughout the Games and, subject to the outcome of the surgery, Jackson hopes to resume playing with WNBA team Seattle Storm in 4-6 weeks.

The Australian Olympic Team medical staff will continue to manage Jackson's injury with two games of the Olympic campaign remaining. Following the surgery, Jackson will return to the USA to continue rehabilitation.

Australian team doctor, Dr Scott Burne, said the objective is for Jackson to complete the Games and be ready to play during the WNBA finals series. Jackson said the injury was very disappointing, but surgery next week was the best option.

"It's been causing pain and inflammation for some time, and I just need to have it cleared up so I can get back on the floor sooner rather than later," said Jackson. "I had ankle reconstruction on the ankle a few years ago and I have every confidence in the surgeon Dr Martin Sullivan," she added.

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