LeBron James’s son, Bronny James, was rushed to the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest during a basketball workout, a spokesperson for the family told news outlets on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old basketball prospect was treated in the intensive care unit before being released to general care, the spokesperson said.
“Yesterday while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest. Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU,” the spokesperson said. “We ask for respect and privacy for the James family, and we will update media when there is more information.”
LeBron and Savannah James sent their “deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes,” the spokesperson added.
Entertainment news website TMZ first reported the news, saying a 911 call was made from the University of Southern California’s Galen Center, which is where the USC Trojans play and practice. Bronny James recently committed to USC and is expected to follow in his famous father’s footsteps by joining the NBA.
Bronny, a six-foot-three guard, was a considered four-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon High School. He’s the oldest of the three James siblings.
“My last year will be with my son. Wherever Bronny’s at, that’s where I’ll be,” LeBron James told The Athletic in February of last year. “I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
Other details about his condition were not provided. However, on social media, a number of users claimed without evidence that Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest due to the COVID-19 vaccine.
In 2021, LeBron James said that getting the COVID-19 vaccine was “best suited for not only me but my family and for my friends.” Initially, the elder James had publicly expressed skepticism about the shot.
After news of Mr. James’ cardiac arrest circulated online, Twitter owner Elon Musk wrote that “we cannot ascribe everything to the vaccine, but, by the same token, we cannot ascribe nothing.”
“Myocarditis is a known side-effect,” Mr. Musk continued, referring to a form of heart inflammation that the vaccine can cause. “The only question is whether it is rare or common.”
Cardiac arrest means the heart suddenly stops beating, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Earlier this year, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamiln suddenly collapsed during a “Monday Night Football” game due to cardiac arrest and was hospitalized for more than a week.
“Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well,” Mr. Hamlin wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “Here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”
