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Morning News

After Kidney Transplant, Sean Elliott Returns to NBA

Aired March 15, 2000 - 9:21 a.m. ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: In another sport in a completely different arena, fans and even the opposing team gave Sean Elliott a rousing welcome as the NBA player accomplished a rather unprecedented feat. No professional athlete in any major sport has ever returned to playing after a kidney transplant, until Elliott did it last night.

CNN/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED's Josie Karp now with story of Elliott's emotional comeback.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOSIE KARP, CNN/SI CORRESPONDENT (on camera): By the time Sean Elliott scored his first basket on a third quarter dunk, he had already accomplished his goal. That is because Elliott's return, seven months after transplant surgery was not about how he played, but that he played. The culmination of his comeback was an emotional affair that obscured his kidney and magnified his heart.

SEAN ELLIOTT, SAN ANTONIO SPURS: The first two drives to the basket, it just went so fast. It was just a lot of jitters.

COACH GREGG POPOVICH, SAN ANTONIO SPURS: I didn't realize it was going to be an emotional deal, but I really felt it, and really surprised myself. And seeing him out there was great. But I was pretty nervous.

ELLIOTT: I think during the "National Anthem" I was just, you know, trying to tell myself over and over, you know, don't embarrass yourself.

MARIO ELIE, SAN ANTONIO SPURS: In the past years, I heard everybody talk about how soft he was, and I hope everybody took them words back, because this guy has been paying through a lot of pain for years, and nobody has known about it. You know, and I tip my hats off, almost shed a tear.

NOEL ELLIOTT, SEAN ELLIOTT'S BROTHER: I didn't expect to be that emotional. But when he took the floor and the crowd just erupted, I just got choked up and my eyes started burning. I can't lose it in front of the cameras. So, but, yeah, very emotional.

KARP: Noel Elliott sat courtside for Sean's return. To be present at the game when Sean came back was all Noel asked for after donating his kidney to his baby brother. S. ELLIOTT: We've always been close, but if it's possible to get closer, I think that's been accomplished. There is no question about it. The guy has given me, he's given me a lot of freedom. Without him, who knows where I'm at right now?

KARP: In San Antonio, I'm Josie Karp.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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