Riley expected to take leave of absence

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"Heat coach Pat Riley will take an indefinite leave of absence to deal with health issues.

Riley is scheduled to address his situation during a 3:30 p.m. news conference today at AmericanAirlines Arena, where the Heat will face the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. A team spokesman confirmed Riley has been ailing from problems with his right knee and hip.

It is the second time in four seasons Riley has left the Heat bench in midseason. It already has been a season filled with injuries for the Heat (13-17), which has seen Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal and Jason Williams miss a combined 40 games.

Heat assistant coach Ron Rothstein will coach the team in Riley's absence, likely starting tonight. A team spokesman said Riley does expect to return to the team this season. Rothstein was the franchise's first coach and coached the team for its initial three seasons."

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/16375615.htm

[k_jerome]

1. i heard for hip and knee replacement, anyone else hear that? nt.

[Scurrilous]

2. I heard last season that he needed hip replacement surgery.

Saban quits...Riley takes leave of absence.

Two head coaches gone in one day.

Must be some kind of record.

[k_jerome]

3. as a Dolphins fan, good riddance on Saban...

it is a lot of news out of S. Fla for one day.