Report: Former Baylor guard needs further medical clearance to play in the NBA

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Projected first-round pick and former Baylor guard Jared Butler has been referred to the league’s Fitness-to-Play Panel, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The panel consists of three physicians one appointed by the league - one by the players association and the third appointed by the first two physicians. Together they deal with potential life-threatening situations, specifically focusing on cardiac illnesses and conditions as well as blood clots and other blood conditions and disorders. They will determine if, and when, Butler is medically cleared to play in the NBA.

Charania of the Athletic also reported that Butler is “currently unable to do on-court elements of pre-draft process -- but is permitted to participate in off-court activities, including team interviews, meetings and medical exams.”

Butler was reportedly diagnosed with a heart condition when he first committed to play at Alabama in 2018. He then transferred to Baylor and was later cleared to play as a full participant in each of the past three seasons with the Bears.

Butler was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player after the Bears won the national title in April.

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