NBA Players Union to fund cardiac screenings for retired players

In the wake of the sudden deaths of NBA legends Moses Malone and Darryl Dawkins, the NBA Players Union is developing a program that would fund and provide cardiac screenings for its retired players.

According to union executive director Michele Roberts, the new program's implementation, in conjunction with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, is "imminent."

Both Malone and Dawkins, two players beloved by fans, coaches, and teammates alike, died unexpectedly just a few weeks apart in late August and September. Both of their passings were determined to be a result of coronary heart disease.

The program will also provide supplemental health insurance to ex-players in need of it.

Considering that the NBA Players Union and league executives hardly ever seem to see eye to eye on any issue, it's reassuring to know that they are able to put aside their differences on an issue as paramount as the health of their former players.