Creighton's Jones: Heart condition makes it too risky to keep playing, but walking away hurts
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Nov. 24, 2012, file photo, Creighton's Josh Jones looks to the basket for a lay-up during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State at the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational tournament in Las Vegas. Jones had surgery on Dec. 18 to fix a problem that caused him to faint before the game at Nebraska 12 days earlier. He had an infected heart valve in 2007, when he was a senior in high school. McDermott said Wednesday night, Dec. 26, 2012, that doctors advised Jones to give up basketball. (AP Photo/David Becker, File) (The Associated Press)
As hard as it is for Creighton's Josh Jones to give up basketball, he says it's not worth risking his life to keep playing.
Jones spoke with reporters Thursday, explaining how his heart condition is forcing him to walk away from basketball. He said he'll be the same Josh Jones, with or without basketball, but added that it is incredibly hard to quit a game he's played since he was 5.
Jones fainted before the Dec. 6 game at Nebraska and underwent surgery 12 days later to fix an atrial flutter.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Doctors have said Jones will require more procedures, making it impossible for the fifth-year senior to return this season. He's scheduled to graduate in May.
Jones had an infected heart valve replaced in 2007.