Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Kareem's leukemia triggers outpouring

LOS ANGELES -- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is glad he went public about being treated for a rare form of leukemia because it has given him a chance to reconnect with people.

The NBA's career scoring leader said Sunday that since his recent announcement he has been stopped by people in public who wish him well and encourage him about his condition.

"The response has been really intense," he said. "I didn't expect it to play out this way, but it's been wonderful. I've got people's prayers and their support and they ask what they can do. People just want to connect and it's been beautiful."

Their reaction has taken the 62-year-old six-time NBA MVP by surprise. Abdul-Jabbar was known for being introverted and sullen during his 20-year playing career, often refusing to talk to the media. As a result, he has been a low-profile presence since retiring in 1989 despite his stellar basketball accomplishments at UCLA and in the NBA.

Abdul-Jabbar said he's in good spirits about his future because the chronic myeloid leukemia is in remission. He was diagnosed last December.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 16, 2009 C2

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