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The Phoenix Suns got bad news Thursday when it was learned that Channing Frye would be out indefinitely after a routine preseason physical performed by team cardiologist Dr. Tim Byrne revealed the forward had developed a dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart).

Friday, Frye, Byrne and Suns president of basketball operations Lon Babby addressed the media, with an eye towards the future and Frye's recovery.

"At the end of the day, the most likely cause for this is a virus," Byrne said. "And many times those do improve and get better, so yes, there's a very real chance that he could return to normal function and a normal lifestyle, and that's what we all need to be hopeful for."

Of course, one of the big questions that has people wondering is if and when Frye will be able to play for the Suns again.

"I would almost say it's irresponsible for me to push something like this unless I have full clearance from not only Dr. Byrne, but I think he would almost recommend me seeing another doctor," Frye said. "This is not something to play with because this affects me every day that I'm running out there and pushing myself, so until I get full clearance from the Suns, Dr. Byrne and maybe another doctor, I'm going to hope to come back as soon as I can."

Babby said that it will be a couple of months before a change in Frye's status could be expected.

"I think the expectation is that Channing will be re-evalutated probably in December," he said. "I think, being realistic, our expectation is that he may well miss the season."

It's a unique situation for an athlete to face; one where a large part of the rehabilitation process is "taking it easy". That being said, Frye is still hoping to be a part of the team this season.

"I don't think traveling a lot is going to be in the cards," he said. "But I definitely think coming to pretty much all of the games as much as I can and definitely still being around the guys and being there to help build and talk to some of the younger guys."

From a roster standpoint, the loss of Frye is obviously a huge blow as he has developed into one of the league's steadiest three-point shooters. The seven-year veteran out of Arizona by way of St. Mary's High School in Phoenix has made 434 three-point field goals in the last three seasons -- the third-most in the entire NBA in that span.

Arizona Sports' Craig Grialou contributed to this report

7 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    JW L. wrote...
    I wont miss Frye!
    ..mainly because I don't watch the Suns any more. The combination of an incredibly lousy owner, and a fixed league, has caused me to dump the sport I have loved for years. You can only watch the WWF so long before you realize you are being foolish to waste your time and money on an illusion.
  • Abuse
    milkstar318 wrote...
    JW L
    This is not about missing somebody a@s. It's about this guys health. He has put his life and soul into basketball and know it is being ripped away. You are an inconsiderate piece of dog crap and if you do not like the Suns are do not care about the team then do not post something like that. Have a nice life loser.
  • Abuse
    JW L. wrote...
    Thanks for the nice comments, MilkMan!
    Have a swell day, at least as swell as someone who is a mindless minion can have.
  • Abuse
    the cooker wrote...
    JWL
    Nice comments??? Milkstar is absolutely correct this is about a mans health and has nothing to do if you like the NBA or not. Channing could have gone to training camp & died right on the court from this and you probably would have had another beer on him.
  • Abuse
    JW L. wrote...
    Wow!
    Of course I don't want Frye to die. He went to the same high school as my kids. But, I wont be seeing him no matter what, unless I run into him in the street. I quit watching NBA basketball altogether. Frye has millions in the bank and will be a happy man no matter what his basketball future is. So, give it a rest and take your 'dog crap' comments into the bathroom, look at the guy in the mirror, and use them on him.
  • Abuse
    Russell G. wrote...
    JW L.
    Hey, if you are so anti-NBA and don't care about the Suns, why are you even here posting? Vamanos Muchacho!
  • Abuse
    Russell G. wrote...
    Hurry Back Frye!
    Hurry back, but come back fully healed up. Would love to see you drop another 400+ threes before you hang em up for good.
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