BTN.com staff, March 4, 2014

(AP) Doctors have told Purdue forward Jay Simpson his career is over because of a heart condition. In a release issued Tuesday night, coach Matt Painter said the redshirt freshman was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – the same condition former basketball stars Hank Gathers, Reggie Lewis, Kevin Duckworth and Jason Collier all died from.

Painter called the decision "tough" and "upsetting." He said the Boilermakers were "very fortunate" their doctors were able to diagnose the condition.

Simpson started seven times and played in 26 games this season, averaging 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds. The release said Simpson is on course to graduate in May 2016 and will remain on scholarship at Purdue.

?Obviously, this is very tough and upsetting news to take," Painter said in the team release. "You never want to see a young athlete?s career end in a fashion like this. Jay had a very bright future in our program and we are disappointed that he will not be able to continue his basketball career. We are very fortunate that our doctors were able to detect this condition early, which will enable Jay to live a long and healthy life.?

Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports