Ostertag leaves hospital

The Associated Press , Monday, July 1, 2002

DallasUtah center Greg Ostertag was released from Baylor University Medical Center on Sunday afternoon, just three days after the former Kansas player donated a kidney to his younger sister.   Amy Hall, 26, who was also listed in good condition, has had type 1 diabetes since she was 7. Her kidney problems began three years ago.

It was determined in March that she needed a new kidney, and her brother tested positive as the perfect donor.   Ostertag left the hospital in good health and good spirits, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The risk of career-threatening complications are low. Ostertag, 29, should be able to report to training camp on time, surgeon Butch Derrick said.   The 7-foot-2 Ostertag will try to become the second player in three years to return to the NBA with only one functioning kidney. Sean Elliott went back to the San Antonio Spurs after getting a kidney from his brother in March 2000. His two diseased kidneys were not removed.