Nene out of Olympic qualifier

Jun 7, 2008 - 12:55 PM DENVER (Ticker) - Brazil's bid to play in the Olympic Games has been dealt another blow after Nene became the second NBA player to withdraw from the upcoming qualifying tournament in Athens.

The Denver Nuggets forward is continuing his recovery from an operation to remove a tumor and he has advised the Brazilian Basketball Confederation he will not be fit enough to play at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

In a letter, Nuggets team doctor Steven Traina explained that Nene is still undergoing treatment.

"Nene needs special care," Traina wrote. "He suffered an inflammation of the right tendon adductor in the area where he was operated on."

Nene admitted that 2008 "has been exhausting" but thanked the federation for their "understanding and words of support."

Earlier this week, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao withdrew from the tournament with ankle and thigh injuries sustained during the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals against Boston.

Both injuries could hamper Brazil's attempts to qualify for the Olympics for the first time since 1996. The tournament in Athens will be played from July 14-20.