Duke Crews cleared to play again for Vols

Duke Crews cleared to play again for Vols

KNOXVILLE (AP) -- Tennessee forward Duke Crews is cleared to return to the Vols more than a month after he was benched because of a heart condition.

Crews' heart condition was discovered during a round of free echocardiograms given to all Tennessee athletes in the fall. The tests were given in hopes of catching any previously unknown heart conditions that could lead to sudden death.

Tennessee sports medicine staff benched Crews on Dec. 14 after discovering the condition.

Since then, Crews rested, underwent monitoring and more than a half dozen cardiac tests.

"These tests have been evaluated by respected cardiologists throughout the nation with extensive experience caring for professional and collegiate athletes. Based on their recommendations, Duke's condition is compatible to a return to competition," said team physician Dr. Chris Klenck in a press release.

"More than anything, we are pleased that Duke is able to return," said head coach Bruce Pearl.  "We will try to get him up to speed as quickly as possible, while keeping in mind that he has had no activity for more than a month."

The medical staff will continue to monitor Crews' heart as he returns to play.

The sixth-ranked Vols face Ohio State on Saturday.

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