Smith had brain artery blockage:
“STATE COLLEGE – Marlon Smith’s 2004-05 basketball season is over and it’s unknown if he’ll play again.
Penn State’s sophomore guard and leading scorer from a year ago met with reporters yesterday after PSU’s game with Michigan and announced he will not be able to play again this year.
“The reason is what PSU doctors termed ‘a small, transient, partial blockage of an artery in his brain related to a small blood clot.’
“Smith collapsed at practice on Jan. 7 and felt numbness in his hands and feet. He entered the hospital that night after Penn State physicians suspected an arterial blockage. He spent the week in Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center undergoing tests designed to pinpoint the cause of the clot and blockage.
“He will spend the next three months taking blood thinners that will prohibit him from any athletic activity during that span, according to PSU team physician Dr. Doug Auckerman:
“‘When someone is on blood thinners, any hard contact can cause a huge bruise or even bleeding.’
“Smith made only a brief statement and chose not to answer any questions for now:
” ‘I’d like to thank everyone for their concern and support,’ said Smith, who appeared in perfect health. ‘I feel good and I just feel blessed to be back with the guys.’ …”