BOSTON (AP) New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi has a broken blood vessel in his head and might have had a minor stroke, according to newspaper reports.
Bruschi was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday with unexplained headaches.
The possibility that he had suffered a stroke was reported in Thursday editions of the Boston Herald, which cited unidentified sources. The story also said Bruschi suffered lost vision.
The Boston Globe, citing an unidentified team source, reported on its Web site Thursday that Bruschi had a broken blood vessel in his head and suffered from partial paralysis that has since gone away. A broken blood vessel can cause a stroke if it deprives the brain of oxygen.
Patriots spokesman Stacey James said Thursday that any information on Bruschi's condition would come from the player or his family. Bruschi spent Wednesday night at the hospital and more tests were scheduled for Thursday morning, James said.
''He is in good condition and will be held for further evaluations,'' the team said in a statement. ''The Bruschi family appreciates everyone's concern, but requests that you respect their privacy at this time.''
A spokeswoman for Massachusetts General Hospital would neither confirm nor deny that Bruschi had been admitted and referred all questions to the Patriots. Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who was attending the men's college basketball game between Boston College and Rutgers on Wednesday night, declined comment.
A nine-year NFL veteran, Bruschi is the centerpiece of the Patriots defense that helped the team win three of the past four Super Bowls, including a 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 6.
On Sunday, Bruschi played in his first Pro Bowl.
Bruschi, 31, was selected as the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week three times, including the first-round playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts. A second team Associated Press All-Pro selection, he ranked second on the team with 128 tackles and tied for second with three interceptions.
He had two fumble recoveries in the team's 20-3 playoff win over the Indianapolis Colts, and an interception in the Super Bowl.
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