In addition to covering Team USA’s clinical dispatch of Senegal earlier today in the FIBA World Championships, The Akron Journal’s Brian Windhorst drops the following tidbit from the competition.
According to reports from Brazilian media, Anderson Varejao (above) has been complaining of fatigue in his legs that has been causing him to lose strength. It wasn’t clear whether team doctors believed the symptoms were due to a physical problem or something else.
After playing well early in the tournament, Varejao’s production fell off. He scored nine points in Brazil’s loss to Lithuania on Thursday, but the defeat knocked the Brazilians from the tournament.
He also was involved in a violent collision with Greek guard Nikoloas Zisis on Wednesday. As Zisis dribbled to the middle, where Varejao was playing in Brazil’s zone, Varejao delivered a nasty elbow to the right side of Zisis’ face. The blow broke a bone in the guard’s face.
Replays showed Varejao was looking the other way when the hit occurred, but there was no doubt he swung his elbow. Angry Greek players reportedly confronted Varejao following the game.
Detroit Bad Boys paid close attention to the long-awaited battle between Carlos Delfino and Darko Milicic on the world stage, characterized as “Former Piston” vs. “Maybe Wants to be a Former Piston.” Even Larry Brown forgot what time this one was on.
Apparently, Mr. and Mrs. Vince Carter are splitsville. Captain Red Ass would appreciate it if the rest of us respected their privacy during this difficult time.