Pau Gasol may freeze sperm before Olympics because of Zika

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Friday, June 17, 2016

MADRID -- Spain's Pau Gasol says he will consider freezing a sperm sample because of concerns over Zika if he decides to play in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Gasol says "freezing sperm is one of the measures I have to consider."

The 35-year-old Chicago Bulls center has yet to commit to playing for Spain. Gasol has led Spain to two consecutive silver medals after losing to the United States in the 2008 and 2012 finals.

Last week, the partner of Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford said he would freeze a sample of his sperm because of fears of Zika.

The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to severe birth defects in infants born to women infected by Zika.