NCAA President Myles Brand Has Pancreatic Cancer, Prognosis 'Not Good'

Myles Brand is notorious for valuing academics above athletics while serving as NCAA president. He is also famous for dismissing Bob Knight from Indiana University following a 2000 incident.

And now he is, sadly, making headlines with an announcement Saturday that he has pancreatic cancer and that things, from a long-term perspective, do not appear good.

"I have pancreatic cancer," the statement said. "The long-term prognosis is not good. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy, and I am receiving excellent care. I will know in the next several months the success of this treatment."

"Having been blessed with good health all my life, it is particularly frustrating to have to miss significant portions of the [NCAA Convention] to attend to a medical condition," the memo said. "Nevertheless, I have promised to be a good patient and follow my doctors' requests."

Brand's absence forced NCAA veep Wally Renfro to give the "state of the NCAA" speech instead; however, the AP reports that Renfro does not plan on assuming the majority of Brand's duties, despite Brand's current medical issues.

The reality is, though, that chemotherapy and attempted recovery will greatly sap Brand's energy. It would be surprising if he continued in his presidential role, but, at the same time, there have been more shocking recovery stories in recent years.

And briefly, as someone who has had a couple brushes with the exact same issue on a somewhat personal level recently, I'd like to give my thoughts and prayers to the Brand family as they hope for a speedy recovery.

Sports Stars Who Fought Cancer

NCAA president Myles Brand reveals he has pancreatic cancer and that the long-term prognosis is not good. Click through to see what other sports figures have fought cancer.

John Russell, AP

Former Bills quarterback and congressman Jack Kemp, who Bob Dole says is "a tough guy of deep faith," revealed his battle with cancer in early January. He intends to continue his involvement in charitable and political work.

Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images

Golf legend Seve Ballesteros was released from a Madrid hospital in early December two months after having surgeries to remove a brain tumor.

Stuart Franklin, Getty Images

Swimmer Eric Shanteau found out he had testicular cancer a week before qualifying for the Olympic team, but he postponed treatment so he could compete in Beijing. He's currently cancer-free and has returned to competitive swimming.

Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Australian soccer star Craig Moore underwent surgery to battle testicular cancer, but he is expected to make a successful recovery.

Robert Cianflone, Getty Images

Lance Armstrong survived his bout with testicular cancer and went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles. Armstrong is now planning to make a comeback and chase his eighth crown.

Peter Dejong, AP

Former NBA player Wayman Tisdale, seen here in 2006, had part of his leg amputated because of bone cancer. "This may sound drastic, but I have put it in God's hands and now have peace, knowing that this is the best way to put this disease in check," he said.

Brad Barket, Getty Images

Jim Calhoun underwent 33 radiation sessions over summer 2008 to battle skin cancer. The UConn hoops coach said he plans to continue coaching.

Ned Dishman, Getty Images

Maarten van der Weijden, who was given only a slim chance of survival after being diagnosed with leukemia in 2001, swam past the favorites to win a gold medal in one of the most grueling events of the Olympics -- the 10-kilometer open water marathon race.

Robert F Bukaty, AP

Bruce Snyder, who has coached football at Arizona State, California and Utah State, admitted in July 2008 that he has cancer through a statement released by Arizona State's sports information office.

Tom Hauck, Getty Images