NEW YORK (AP) - The NBA has rejected the tinted goggles that Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade planned to wear for the start of Thursday’s game against the New York Knicks to protect his eyes from the bright lights as he recovers from a migraine headache.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says the league disallowed the glasses when they inspected them after Miami’s shootaround Thursday morning. The NBA said the tinting was too dark, giving Wade an unfair advantage because the opponent could not see his eyes.
Wade will be allowed to wear another pair of goggles, which he has not worn in any practices.
Spoelstra said the Heat had been sending the league photographs of the glasses and, after the shootaround, said the team had league approval for Wade to wear them.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
NEW YORK (AP) _ Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade plans to wear tinted glasses for the start of Thursday’s game against the New York Knicks to protect his eyes from the bright lights as he recovers from a migraine headache.
“I’ll feel the game out, see how I feel,” he said after Thursday morning’s shootaround. “At times throughout the game, of course, I’ll take them off, and if I feel like my eyes are adjusting well, my eyes are doing well, I may go without them. But I’m going to start the game (wearing them) for sure.”
Wade missed Miami’s last game Saturday against Toronto because of a migraine, a problem that has plagued him for years. Bright light is one of the triggers for the headaches.
“I just want to take no chances right now,” Wade said. “I want to play.”
Wade said he felt better after Wednesday’s practice, but when he got off the plane in New York, he experienced blurred vision again and had to take more medication. He apologized to a reporter Thursday for not making eye contact while answering a question because he didn’t want to look toward a light.
Wade has practiced with the glasses for several days, experimenting with different tints to find the one that’s most comfortable. His peripheral vision will still be compromised some. Coach Erik Spoelstra said the glasses had been approved by the NBA.
The Heat were without forward Chris Bosh for Thursday’s game because of a sprained left ankle. Wade was back to give Miami a Big Two with LeBron James after both he and Bosh sat out Saturday.
He still had one major uncertainty heading into his first game with the glasses.
“I don’t really know how I look in them yet _ I haven’t even looked in the mirror,” Wade joked. “I’ve got to make sure I look good in them, too.”
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