It’s Family first for Jrue Holliday
New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday will miss the start of the 2016-17 NBA season. He’s stepping out to care for his pregnant wife Lauren, who will undergo surgery to remove a benign brain tumor after she gives birth in the fall.
According to the Times-Picayune‘s Jeff Duncan, Lauren—are tired member of the United States women’s national soccer team—was diagnosed with a tumor on the right side of her brain in June. But because she’s pregnant, doctors have advised her to wait until after she gives birth to undergo surgery.
“We are all praying for a healthy delivery of their first child and a successful surgery for Lauren,” Pelicans general manager Dell Demps said in a prepared statement. “Furthermore, we ask everyone to respect the Holiday’s privacy at this time.”
Duncan reported that it’s “unclear how much time Holiday will miss this season” since Lauren is due in mid-October. However, Duncan added that “the couple hopes to induce the birth early—perhaps as soon as late September—to expedite her treatment,” with the brain surgery likely to take place six weeks after their child is born.
Lauren, An athletic Star Also
Lauren Holiday, who retired from soccer last year, was among the world’s most respected players in the women’s game during a career. It was highlighted by Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team in 2008 and 2012. Her team also won the FIFA World Cup title in 2015. The midfielder played in 133 games for the U.S. team, scoring 24 goals. She also played professionally in the NWSL, winning a championship with FC Kansas City in 2015.
