Just about a month into the speculations about Isiah Thomas battling Bell’s Palsy, the 2x champion confirmed his condition. He was rather candid when he opened up on Mark Jackson’s podcast. “I’ve got Bell’s Palsy. That’s why you see me like this,” he admitted. Opening up was only expected of Zeke, considering he has been vocal about health concerns and the need for awareness, right from his parents and sibling to more recently, his daughter, Lauren. 

Back in late September 2020, the basketball legend spoke about the disorder his daughter was suffering from — narcolepsy and cataplexy. Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder. Thomas shared that about 3 million people in the United States are suffering from it. However, due to the nature of the condition, unfortunately, many are misdiagnosed.

While speaking of the seriousness of the disorder, he urged listeners to learn more about it and raise awareness. Lauren also suffered cataplexy, which causes muscle weakness triggered by emotions and is unique to narcolepsy. Through Project Sleep, Thomas has been working to do what is needed.

“My daughter has narcolepsy with cataplexy, and that means she goes into perilous states sometimes where she loses her legs and also her balance. And, you know, this is a community that, you know, over 3 million people in the United States have narcolepsy, and so many more are misdiagnosed, and sometimes they’re misdiagnosed with depression. And they’ve been heavily medicated, or not only heavily medicated, but from a misdiagnosis standpoint, a lot of their lives have been really affected,” Thomas shared during his appearance on  NBA on TNT’s The Arena.

Lauren was first diagnosed with the disorder in 2019 after being misdiagnosed for sleepiness for a long time. She has always been candid about sharing her story with others. Not only that, but she is also part of Project Sleep’s World Narcolepsy Day Committee. Lauren helps provide the necessary resources for those suffering from the same disorder.

“And finding this narcolepsy community, Project Sleep, not only has helped me, my family. I want all families to be a part of it, and I encourage everyone to, you know, just really get more aware. And I thank all of them for, you know, letting all families be a part of it, and I encourage everyone to, you know, just really get more aware of narcolepsy and really what it’s all about,” Thomas added. 

The Detroit Pistons star also ventured into the cannabis industry after learning the lack of awareness regarding medical cannabis. His mother was prescribed the same when she was suffering with her health in her later years, but due to the popular notion, had refused. He grew vocal about it thereafter. But having cared for them all now, Thomas has his own battle to fight.

Isiah Thomas suffering from neurological disorder

During his appearance on the “Come And Talk 2 Me” podcast, Thomas revealed his diagnosis of Bell’s palsy to the co-hosts, Mark Jackson and his son, Mark Jackson Jr. Numerous sports stars have suffered from this same condition before, including Joel Embiid who revealed it during the playoffs last year. Evan Turner, Pete Maravich, Hall of Fame pro wrestling announcer Jim Ross, Tony Gonzalez, and even late legend Pete Maravich had also suffered from the condition.

Bell’s palsy is a neurological condition that causes temporary paralysis of facial muscles, often resulting in drooping of the eyes and mouth on one side of the face. One side of the Detroit Pistons legend Thomas’ face appeared a bit stiff as well. Numerous took to social media to share encouraging words for the basketball legend.

“I know I have a lot of people watching, and I haven’t really told anybody, but I have Bell’s palsy. I appreciate the prayers and the love. But that’s what is happening with my mouth right now,” he said on the podcast. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me this past month,” Thomas later shared with Detroit News reporter Coty M. Davis.

The 63-year-old played for 13 years with the Detroit Pistons. Following his playing career, he went on to coach the Knicks. After his coaching stint, he has focused more on his business. Fan chants on social media wish him a speedy recovery.