Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.Photo: Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty
Kareem Abdul-Jabbaris on the mend following an accident that left him with a broken bone.
PEOPLE can confirm that the famed athlete, 76, is receiving care after he broke his hip during an “accidental fall” in Los Angeles on Friday evening.“Last night, while attending a concert, Kareem had an accidental fall and broke his hip. He will have surgery today," Abdul-Jabbar’s longtime business partner, Deborah Morales, tells PEOPLE in a statement.
“We are all deeply appreciative of all the support for Kareem, especially from the Los Angeles Fire Department who assisted Kareem on site, and the amazing medical team and doctors at UCLA Hospital who are taking great care of Kareem now,” she adds.TMZwas first to report the news.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.Leon Bennett/WireImage
Leon Bennett/WireImage
In a 2020 essay, in which the NBA legend called forbetter health care for Black Americans, Abdul-Jabbarwrote for WebMDthat while he fought each illness, he has been luckier than most Black men to survive each.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.Getty
Getty
“I’ve been fortunate because my celebrity has brought me enough financial security to receive excellent medical attention. No one wants an NBA legend dying on their watch. Imagine the Yelp reviews,” he joked at the time, adding that he also benefits from having two sons in medical fields.
“But while I’m grateful for my advantages, I’m acutely aware that many others in the Black community do not have the same options and that it is my responsibility to join with those fighting to change that. Because Black lives are at risk. Serious risk," Abdul-Jabbar continued.
The athlete played 20 seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. During his storied career as a center, Abdul-Jabbar was named the NBA Most Valuable Player a record six times.
source: people.com
