Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 11, 1992 TAG: 9203110168
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SARASOTA, FLA. LENGTH: Medium
Jackson, 29, said he planned to go home to his family before the surgery is performed later this summer. He said he realized it could mean the end of his athletic career.
"Realistically, yesterday could've been my last at-bat in the major leagues," Jackson said. "I know that."
Jackson, who became a hero by starring as an NFL running back and as a major-league outfielder, hurt his hip playing for the Los Angeles Raiders in January 1991. After a rehabilitation program, he came back for the final month of the 1991 baseball season and hit .225 in 71 at-bats, with three homers and 14 runs batted in. The injury got worse this spring and he couldn't run during the three exhibition games he played.
"My main objective is to get rid of the nagging pain and get rid of the limp," Jackson said. "I feel like myself, except for running."
Jackson said the medical options explained to him ranged from arthroscopic surgery to hip replacement. He said he favored the most extreme measure.
"That's probably what they have to do, but I don't know what's going on in the doctors' heads," Jackson said. "If there's going to be someone to come back and perform on the professional level after a hip replacement, it'll be me. If I do something like that, I'd want to do it with the White Sox."
Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf said doctors have told him it is possible Jackson could play again, but said "the odds are long."
Chicago made a flurry of roster moves to get around Jackson's $910,000 option for this season. The White Sox placed Jackson on waivers last week and he cleared Tuesday.
Jackson refused a minor-league assignment, became a free agent, then re-signed with Chicago for the major-league minimum of $109,000. The White Sox retained options for 1993 and 1994.
by CNB