The UCLA Health System has reportedly revealed that retired American professional football player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is recovering in the hospital after he underwent a quadruple coronary bypass surgery on Thursday.
The 19-time All-Star pick, who was admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center earlier this week with cardiovascular disease, had requested the UCLA Health System to reveal the news.
According to UCLA's statement, the operation was performed by UCLA chief of cardiac surgery Dr. Richard Shemin, who expects Abdul-Jabbar to make a full recovery.
The statement said that currently, Abdul-Jabbar would like to thank his surgical team and the medical staff at UCLA, his alma mater, for the excellent care he received, adding that he is looking forward to getting back to his normal activities soon, Us Magazine reported.
The release also stated that the NBA legend has asked that people keep him in their thoughts and, most importantly, cherish and live each day to its fullest.
Abdul-Jabbar, who turned 68 on the very day he had the surgery, is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and a beloved member of the Hall of Fame. Since retiring in 1989 after a 20-year career, the six-time world champion has worked as a special assistant for teams including the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, the report added.