Sands Hip Big Disappointment for Fans in 2008

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

The rumors proved to be true when it came to Team 1997’s Andy Sands’ physical condition heading into the 2008 Cup.

Team 97’s Captain Cancels Remainder of 2008 Schedule to Repair Damaged Joint

May 15, 2008
Despite repeated denials and attempts to deflect the furious media activity swirling around him in the days leading up to the 2008 Phi Alpha Cup, it was obvious to all who watched that the rumors were true and Team 1997’s Captain Andy Sands was indeed damaged goods.

After being spotted by paparazzi on crutches mere days before opening ceremonies, word quickly spread that Sands was considering withdrawing from the annual event due to a hip injury. Inside sources at Duke Medical Center confirmed to tabloid publication TMZ that Sands had been diagnosed with bursitis and was considering surgery, setting off all sorts of speculation that Team 1997’s chances of retaining the Cup were more doubtful than initially predicted.

The rumors were confirmed when a limping Sands and a visibly shaken Team 1997 arrived at the tournament grounds and again when Sands’ first match began Friday morning.

“We could see the extent of the injury on the practice range,” said 97 de facto Captain Andrew Parker. “Our trainers did all they could do with pain killers and the cortisone shots, but with an injury as serious as this, there’s only so much the medicine men can do.”

The injury also had a detrimental effect on the rest of Team 1997.
“You could literally see the tears in Steve’s eyes,” said Parker, commenting on teammate’s Steve Burr’s disappointment with Sands’ injury.

For Sands’ part, the North Carolina native seemed just as disappointed for the fans as he was his teammates.

“To be back playing in my home state in front of the fans here and not be 100 percent, yeah, of course it’s heartbreaking,” said Sands. “I gave it my best, it just wasn’t enough.”

As for the extent of the injury and when or if he’ll be back playing, it remains an open question according to Sands.

“I’m hoping it’s not career ending – that’s where we are now. I’ve been talking to different joint specialists and others like Bo Jackson, Coach K and Eddie Van Halen who have had similar problems with their hip. At this point I’ve canceled the rest of my commitments for the rest of the year and will be undergoing tests and more evaluation soon. Right now, I’m just focused on walking again. Golf is the furthest thing from my mind.”

Jeff Cohen could not be reached for comment.