Carlos Rogers would eagerly sacrifice an NBA career to save his sister's life. If only it were that simple.
Rogers, a Toronto Raptors forward, was in Detroit today, ready to donate a kidney to his older sister. The problem was that Rene Rogers was not strong enough for the transplant she desperately needs."We'll know a lot more in 24 to 48 hours," said Carlos Rogers, who returned to his native Detroit before Thursday night's game between Toronto and the Miami Heat. "Hopefully she'll snap out of whatever she's going through, and everything will be back to normal.
"Then we can start talking about this kidney thing all over again."
The 25-year-old basketball player says he is the only member of his family with a kidney compatible for transplant to his sister.
Rene Rogers, 29, is on dialysis and already has undergone one unsuccessful transplant. She is under critical care for an infection, Henry Ford Hospital spokeswoman Kelly Brady said.
"I came here thinking about donating a kidney," Rogers said before leaving the hospital. "I don't believe that's an option right now. She's much sicker than we anticipated. But she's being well taken care of."
Rogers has maintained his composure throughout the ordeal. Under normal conditions, he cracks jokes, never turns down an interview request and is as accommodating as any player in the league.
Following a long vigil at the hospital with his family, however, Rogers elected not to take any questions from reporters who were kept waiting outside in subfreezing temperatures by building security officers.
Rogers' family would not meet with reporters.
"We'll know a lot more in 24 to 48 hours," said Rogers, looking somber in a dark gray suit with striped gray and white tie.
Henrietta McFadden, a family friend, said Rene and family members had talked with her pastor.
"We are all very prayerful," McFadden said. "She's a very sick little girl right now. We all just have to pray she gets better."
Rogers, averaging 10.5 points and 5.8 rebounds, has been besieged by interview requests since it was learned he might donate a kidney.
"It's unbelievable," Rogers said early Thursday before leaving Toronto. "I know I'm strong and I can handle whatever's thrown my way, but this will really help my sister."
Rogers has four children and helps support his mother and most of his family of 10 siblings.