Parker withdraws from Basketball without Borders

Aug 1, 2007 - 5:19 PM SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday announced that point guard Tony Parker will miss the 2007 Basketball without Borders Europe event due to a sprained left ankle.

The camp runs from August 6-10 in Parker's native Paris. The 2007 NBA Finals MVP suffered the injury earlier this week during practice with the French National Team.

The NBA Finals MVP is returning to the United States and will be examined in San Antonio on Friday.

"Unfortunately, this injury requires me to return to San Antonio so I can be examined by team doctors and begin a rehabilitation program," Parker said. "I am extremely disappointed that I cannot participate in this year's Basketball without Borders event in Paris. Since I attended the BWB in Beijing two years ago I have looked forward to hosting the event in my own country."

Parker was already being rested as a precaution after feeling pain in his right ankle. A scan revealed no more than bruising, but the 25-year-old Parker did not play in Saturday's friendly with the Swiss in Geneva and will miss the August 4 game with the Belgians.

Parker will begin his rehabilitation program immediately upon his return to the States. His status will be determined following his examination. Parker will rejoin the French National Team as soon as he receives medical clearance.

France is preparing for EuroBasket which gets underway in September.