Isaac Bruce held out of minicamp due to abnormality in heart test

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Wide receiver held out of minicamp due to abnormality in heart test

By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer
June 3, 2005

AP - Jun 3, 4:39 pm EDT



ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Isaac Bruce was held out of the St. Louis Rams minicamp Friday due to an irregularity in a heart test.

``His physical showed just a slight abnormality,'' coach Mike Martz said. ``He had a little glitch.''

After watching the first of two workouts Friday, Bruce said he believed the test was a mistake. He underwent a second test later in the day, although Martz said a specialist who normally administers such tests was out of town until Tuesday, which would sideline Bruce for the remainder of the three-day camp.

``Something funny showed up on the EKG, that's all, `` Bruce said. ``I was a little shocked. I'm thinking something's wrong with the machine, not anything wrong with me.''

Martz said the team is comfortable waiting for the specialist to return.

``When Tuesday arrives he will evaluate it, and we'll all know the story,'' Martz said.

The 32-year-old, 12-year veteran was second on the team last season with 89 catches for 1,292 yards and six touchdowns. He is third among the NFL's active receivers with 11,753 yards, including seven 1,000-yard seasons.


He suggested that perhaps a blood test might have spiked his heart rate and said he wasn't concerned.

``I don't anticipate me stopping playing or anything like that,'' he said. ``I'm feeling good. I learned a long time ago not to let a doctor's diagnosis deter me.''

The Rams weren't overly concerned yet, either.

``I don't think it's a major issue, but I don't know,'' Martz said. ``You just go back and recheck and take some more tests.''

Bruce, a second-round draft pick in 1994, is the last remaining player from the team that moved from Los Angeles to St. Louis in 1995.



Updated on Friday, Jun 3, 2005 7:07 pm EDT