Pat Summitt’s family releases statement on health of basketball legend
The family of basketball coaching legend Pat Summitt released a statement on her health Sunday morning. The former University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach has been suffering from early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s Type for at least five years. She revealed her diagnosis to the public in 2011.
“On behalf of Pat Summitt’s family, we acknowledge the past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ progresses. She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you.”
Erin Freeman, on behalf of the Pat Summitt family
Ackermann PR
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Summitt’s family and close friends were “preparing for the worst” and that Summitt, 64, was struggling. Her last season coaching was 2011-12. Summitt’s amazing career spanned 38 years and included eight national championships, 1,098 wins.
Several of her former players including Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks and Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever made their way to Knoxville over the weekend despite being in the midst of the WNBA season.
The sports world has been reeling with the news as many have expressed their sentiments via social media as the news about the Hall of Fame coach hit the news.
She's The reason why I'm even here man ? #PrayForPat hang tight in there Coach. We got your back ??
— Diamond DeShields (@diamonddoesit1) June 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/meighan_simmons/status/747047298316677123
We need everyone who is a praying being to lock hands and #PrayForPat
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) June 26, 2016
Please keep UT Martin alum Pat Head Summitt in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are all behind you! #PrayForPat
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) June 26, 2016
Hard to conceive of an individual who has had more of an impact on our game and all of us involved in it. #PrayForPat
— Lindsay Gottlieb (@CoachLindsayG) June 26, 2016
Class and courage. #PrayForPat ? pic.twitter.com/fqaxM9ibeM
— Stanford Women’s Basketball (@StanfordWBB) June 26, 2016
Words can't express my love & gratitude #PrayForPat pic.twitter.com/QwONyJgOru
— Carla McGhee (@Bigred10_4ever) June 26, 2016
Hope you don't mind that I ask for prayers for a dear friend close to the end of her journey. Would mean a lot to her fam, Peace be w/ you??
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) June 25, 2016
We are ALL praying trust me. My heart is full of love. @RobinRoberts https://t.co/kJ3OesiEDF
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) June 25, 2016
Praying?? this Sunday morning for Coach Pat Summitt who's reportedly in hospital in critical condition. An awesome coach and better person?
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) June 26, 2016
Praying for @patsummitt. Sharing 19 yrs w her at UT was inspiring. I learned so much about coaching/leading/friendship from her #PrayForPat
— David Cutcliffe (@DavidCutcliffe) June 26, 2016
Her fight is our fight.
We. Back. Pat. #PrayForPat pic.twitter.com/SoJoijX8S1
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) June 26, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with @patsummitt and the @LadyVol_Hoops family. #PrayForPat pic.twitter.com/naaxhWPInR
— Notre Dame WBB (@ndwbb) June 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/doshwoods/status/747153346947997697
My thoughts and prayers are with Pat and her family during this time. #PrayForPat
— Charli Turner Thorne (@ASUCoachCharli) June 26, 2016
Thank you Pat. #PrayForPat ?? pic.twitter.com/08esYAWWUQ
— Beth Burns (@coachbethburns) June 26, 2016
My heart cries out for you right now!!!! #PrayForPat
— Delisha Milton-Jones (@DelishaMJones) June 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/FunLovinPals/status/747163560531402753
