Bucks’ Ford cleared to resume full-contact basketball

Milwaukee, WI (Basketball News) - Milwaukee Bucks guard T.J. Ford has been cleared to resume full-contact basketball after missing the entire 2004-05 season due to a spinal cord injury.

Ford bruised his spinal cord in a horrific basketball accident during a game against Minnesota on February 24, 2004, and had cervical spine surgery nearly three months later.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins at the Los Angeles Spine Surgery Institute.

"T.J. Ford has made a full recovery from his spinal cord contusion," Watkins said. "He is cleared for full-contact basketball. His prognosis is excellent for a normal basketball career."

The eighth overall pick in the 2003 draft, Ford averaged 7.1 points and 6.5 assists before being hurt.

"This is great news for me, my family, the Bucks and our fans," Ford said. "I can’t wait to get out on the floor and run up and down the court with my teammates."

The Bucks have the top selection in Tuesday’s NBA draft.