National Basketball Association

Pau Gasol says he may freeze sperm if he plays in Rio Olympics

Published Jun. 16, 2016 9:27 a.m. ET

foxsports

Pau Gasol is one of the many athletes who are still deciding whether or not to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, and the growing concerns over the effects of the Zika virus have caused many professional athletes to pull out already. Gasol is a two-time Olympic silver medalist, but he said back in May that he believes athletes "have not been told enough" about Zika, which can cause birth defects in children.

At an event at the Pau Gasol Academy, Gasol reiterated that he still hasn't decided on playing in the Olympics, but the 35-year-old revealed that he will consider freezing his sperm before heading to Brazil. Gasol does not have any children.

Via the AP:

"We are constantly learning more but there is uncertainty about how long the virus remains in one's blood. Many athletes are thinking about starting families and in Brazil there are a million and a half people affected [by Zika]. If I confirm that I will play for the national team, freezing my sperm is one measure more to take."