Tisdale's Right Leg Amputated; Former NBA Forward Battling Bone Cancer

Oklahoma City, OK (AHN) - Former NBA player Wayman Tisdale announced on his Web site Monday he was having surgery to amputate his right leg, which has been stricken with bone cancer.

The 44-year-old forward decided to have his right leg amputated to curtail the spread of the disease, which was discovered in February 2007 after he broke his leg in a fall at his Los Angeles home.

The 6-foot-9 Tisdale had been undergoing treatment since a cancerous cyst developed below his knee. The award-winning musician previously had his knee replaced so he can resume touring with his jazz band.

A native of Tulsa, Tisdale played for three NBA teams during his professional career-Indiana, Sacramento and Phoenix.

He retired in 1997 and has since made strides in the music industry following a release of eight albums.

Tisdale's best season came with the Kings in 1989-90 when he scored 22.3 points per game. His overall numbers in the NBA were 15.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in 12 seasons.

A former second overall pick in the 1985 draft, Tisdale also made the U.S. national team, which won the gold medal in men's basketball in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.