
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 19, 1991                   TAG: 9103190005
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BIRMINGHAM, ALA.                                LENGTH: Short

BO VOWS TO RETURN THIS YEAR

Bo Jackson said Monday he feels he will return to playing baseball this season, and a doctor who examined the two-sport star did not rule out a return to football as well.

"Don't count me out," the 28-year-old Jackson said at a brief news conference with his personal physician, Dr. James Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center.

Andrews did not give a specific diagnosis of the hip injury that Jackson suffered in the Los Angeles' Raiders NFL playoff game against Cincinnati in January.

But he said it was a "significant injury" and that blood flow to the hip joint is being monitored.

The doctor declined to elaborate when referring to news media reports that Jackson may have avascular necrosis, a potentially career-ending condition in which bone tissue dies because blood cannot reach it.

"We're in a protective phase at this point," said Andrews, who left open the possibility that Jackson may eventually be able to play football for the Raiders.

"I know deep down I'll be back playing baseball this year," Jackson said.

"Bo's a unique individual who has overcome adversity in the past," Andrews said. Because of his positive attitude, the doctor added, it's likely that "Bo will be able to return to professional sports in the future."

by CNB