IDA, Mich. (WTVG) – You wouldn’t know it by looking at him, but this is a comeback season for Doug Sanders. He’s not a player, a coach, or even a member of a team. He’s a game official; one of the people wearing the striped uniforms calling the shots on the court.
Back in November, Sanders went into cardiac arrest while officiating a game. Fans rushed to his side to give him life-saving help.
“I’m so blessed and I’m so thankful to be standing here talking to you,” Sanders said.
His family and friends told him to take the rest of the season off, but he was determined to salvage a part of his season. So, once his doctor cleared him to work, Sanders knew he couldn’t stay off the court.
“Basketball means a lot to me,” Sanders said. “When I was in high school, I played basketball. I follow basketball: high school, college, pros. But I just enjoy being out with student-athletes, I like the pace of the game… I like being out on the floor in front of fans.”
Sanders made his official return as an official last week. He said it wasn’t an easy journey. Since his medical emergency, he’s been doing a lot of physical therapy and training to be able to make runs up and down the court.
He’s still working to get back to 100% and is taking a lighter schedule for the remainder of the season.
“That was a big thing for me,” Sanders said. “I had to scale back and I am scaling back. I’m not working every night.”
Sanders said he was a little bit anxious during his first game back but also excited. Over the past few games, he’s been thankful to get back to doing what he loves.
“What drives me is I just enjoy being around the game,” Sanders said. “I enjoy being out with fellow officials and being out with my partners.”
He hopes to continue improving throughout the rest of the regular season and officiate baseball games in the spring.
“My mindset is just to go out and work hard. Referee to the best of my abilities and just see how things go,” Sanders said.
He urged anyone who hears his story to make sure to take care of themselves and prioritize their health.
“I guess the biggest thing I can take away from this is just listen to your body and if you’re not feeling right, get checked,” Sanders said. “Go to your cardiologist, go to your family doctor.”
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This article was published by WTVG on 2025-01-28 23:35:00
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