In yet another blow to Nets, forward Chris Douglas-Roberts tests positive for swine flu

Associated Press

Last update: November 7, 2009 - 6:26 PM

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Chris Douglas-Roberts has tested positive for swine flu, another blow to a New Jersey Nets team that is losing players as quickly as games.

Douglas-Roberts had started every game for the winless Nets until missing a loss at Philadelphia on Friday with flu-like symptoms. Nets president Rod Thorn confirmed on Saturday that Douglas-Roberts tested positive for the H1N1 virus.

Thorn said the player has been treated and the Nets are following all precautionary measures called for by the NBA.

Nets coach Lawrence Frank said he had spoken Saturday to Douglas-Roberts, saying, "He doesn't sound very good." Frank said he believed Douglas-Roberts was no longer contagious, but doesn't know when he will return.

"All the measures are taken, now it's a matter of when he feels better," Frank said.

The diagnosis is the latest blow to a team that has been hit by a wave of injuries. Guard Courtney Lee also was sidelined Saturday with a strained left groin, leaving New Jersey with only eight players in uniform, the minimum allowed, for its game against Boston.

The Nets are the only team in the league without a victory and at 0-6 are off to the worst start in franchise history.

Douglas-Roberts has been averaging 15.6 points and 4.8 rebounds in five games.

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