The strange saga of Chuck Hayes continues in Sacramento, as the forward returns to the Kings with a new (and richer) deal, after he was released due to a heart condition. The Sac Bee explains: “One week after the Kings announced Chuck Hayes had an abnormality in his heart that would lead to the team voiding his contract, the forward-center was cleared to resume his basketball career Thursday by the renowned Cleveland Clinic. The team announced Thursday night it had reached an agreement with Hayes. He is expected back in Sacramento tonight.The deal is worth $22.4 million over four years. That is $1 million more than Hayes signed for Dec. 9, the first day free agents were allowed to sign with teams following the 149-day NBA lockout. ‘It’s been an incredible week of emotional highs and lows,’ Hayes said in a statement. ‘The Kings have been very supportive during this process and I feel very comfortable with the relationships that I have started there. After reviewing my options, the Kings were still the choice for me.’ The Kings announced on Dec. 15 that an echocardiogram stress test during Hayes’ physical revealed an abnormality and that the player would continue further testing. On Monday, the Kings announced Hayes had failed his physical and his contract had been voided. After going through a battery of tests at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday, Hayes and the Kings were told Thursday morning he had nothing wrong with his heart and to continue playing without worry. ‘I’m just very thankful and blessed with the team of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic and the power of prayer,’ Hayes said in a prepared statement. ‘I am happy to say I have a healthy heart and have been cleared to play immediately. I look forward to getting back on the court as soon as possible.’”

SACRAMENTO, CA – Former Sacramento Kings guard Bobby Jackson remains active, not only within the organization but also as a fixture within the community.

Jackson, spent part of his Thursday visiting with patients and spread a little joy at the UC Davis Children’s Hospital in Sacramento. Jackson was joined by Kings mascot Slamson as together they spent some one-on-one time visiting with children, signing autographs and passing out gift bags to patients.

Jackson said that whenever he’s asked to make an appearance at an event like the one on Thursday, he never turns it down.

“I think it’s important just to give back and put a smile on a kid’s face”, Jackson said. “I feel like we’re blessed to be healthy and why not try to make them smile and (brighten) someone’s day.

“I brought my son and my nephew so they can really see how good they really have it. Hopefully they will do the same thing as I’m doing, one day.”

After a 13-year NBA career consisting of six seasons with the Kings, Jackson re-joined the organization and retired in 2009. Following his retirement, Jackson was named an ambassador to the Kings before later becoming a scout for the team.

Jackson has always placed a high emphasis on being visible and active within the Sacramento community, including roles with a variety of local charities.

Jackson finds a lot more time than usual for appearances like Thursday’s hospital visit, while the NBA and the Players Association are in the midst of a league imposed lockout; a work stoppage the result of a harsh labor disute that began July 1.

“I was part of one in (1998-1999), so I know it’s going to be a long process and hopefully the NBA and the players will get something resolved”, Jackson told News10.

The last NBA lockout lasted 204 days when it concluded on January 20, 1999, resulting in a shortened 50-game season.

Jackson’s hospital visit is among many planned throughout the summer, as the Kings have scheduled many other community appearances with former players and members of the basketball operations department.

By Sean Cunningham, SCunningham@News10.net   
Twitter: @News10Sean 

News10/KXTV