FRA - Parker receives thumbs-up to play in London

PARIS (Olympics) - French basketball is breathing a sigh of relief with star point guard Tony Parker being given the all-clear to play for the national team at the Olympics.

Parker suffered an eye injury while visiting a night club in New York after a fight broke out.

Though not involved in the melee, Parker was hurt when shards of glass went into his eye, forcing him to remain off court and throwing his participation in the London Games in doubt.

But Parker has flown to the United States to be examined by doctors and now the French Basketball Federation have announced: “The guard of the French national team Tony Parker, who has been in Atlanta, in order to have his eye examined by the medical staff of his NBA franchise, has come out of the medical examination relieved.

“The eye specialists selected by the San Antonio Spurs, have indicated that the player will be able to return to the competition.

“Based on the results, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has given his approval for Tony to be able to compete at the Olympics with France.

“Tony Parker has immediately called Vincent Collet to tell him the news.

“He will join the team on 6 July in Orleans (France).”

France coach Vincent Collet is elated that his playmaker will be available.

"It's excellent news and it's a relief for the French team,” he said.

"I've spoken to Tony on the telephone and he seemed very happy and as relieved as I am by how the events have turned out.

"It was for all of us a very distressful and worrying situation and now we can all put our forces together and focus on our Olympic aim."

FIBA