Boston Celtics Forward Paul Pierce Leaves Hospital Following Stabbing Wound Surgery, Holds Brief News Conference
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The breaking news is about Paul Pierce, the Boston Celtics player who had been stabbed a number of times, leaving the hospital. Let's hear what he has to say.</s>PAUL PIERCE, BOSTON CELTICS FORWARD: First of all, I want to thank God for allowing me to be here today. Without him, you know, I wouldn't be standing here being able to talk to everybody. My family and I want to thank the hospital, all the doctors, nurses for taking care of me while I was here these past few days. I want to thank my friends, my fans, the Celtics organization, people all over the world for their support. They've been tremendous for me. It's unbelievable the amount of attention that I've been getting all these past few days. But, you know, everybody's really been great and, you know, very supportive. You know, my family is here with me -- just everybody. And one last thing, I'd just like to tell everybody I feel good and I can't wait to get back out on the basketball court and join my Celtics teammates, and hopefully a speedy recovery and get out there as soon as possible. So I'd like to thank everybody for coming out, and all the love and support from just everybody all over the world. I'd like to, again, say thanks.</s>QUESTION: Paul, how are you feeling?</s>PIERCE: I feel good. Doctors really did a great job over the past few days, and I shouldn't really feel any effects. And I'll soon be ready to get back out on the basketball court.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you, Paul, thank you.</s>KAGAN: A few quick words from Paul Pierce, the star -- one of the stars of the Boston Celtics who was involved in a late-night fight Sunday night, Monday morning, stabbed a number of times, had to undergo surgery. As you've seen, doctors did a good job in stitching him up and getting him put back together so he can rejoin the Boston Celtics. Two men have been arrested in that attack and police are still looking for a third.