Anthony Rice once lit up college arenas as a reliable scorer for the Memphis Tigers. Today, he’s fighting a battle far tougher than any he faced on the hardwood. The former star guard is now battling interstitial lung disease, a progressive condition that has stripped him of his ability to work and left his family struggling to survive.
With mounting medical bills and no permanent home, his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised close to $8,000 toward its $12,000 goal. For a man who spent years giving back to his community, this represents one of life’s cruelest reversals.
How Did a Routine Doctor’s Visit Turn Into a Life-or-Death Battle?
Two years ago, Rice visited a doctor for common leg pain. As an AT&T technician and basketball trainer, he figured the discomfort came from years of standing on the job. That assumption nearly cost him his life.
Initially misdiagnosed with pneumonia, Rice was sent home with basic care instructions. Within days, he was back in the emergency room with chest pain and shortness of breath that wouldn’t go away. That’s when doctors made the devastating discovery: significant scarring covered his lungs, and dangerous inflammation surrounded his heart.
Former Memphis sharpshooter Anthony Rice is no longer able to work due to interstitial lung disease. Heartbreaking situation for a great Tiger. If you’re inclined to help, here’s a link: https://t.co/Z3waQTUHkw
— John Martin (@JohnMartin929) August 1, 2025
The symptoms traced back to an undetected autoimmune disease that had been silently attacking his body. Doctors immediately placed him on oxygen and began a heavy medication regimen, but the worst was yet to come.
Last summer brought a terrifying escalation. On June 13, 2023, Rice’s oxygen levels plummeted suddenly while his heart rate became dangerously unstable. Paramedics rushed him to the ICU, where medical teams placed him on life support and intubated him. He spent over a month in the hospital, fighting for every breath.
Today, Rice depends on oxygen for most of the day. Even light movement causes his oxygen levels to drop and his heart rate to spike dangerously high. Doctors have officially declared him unfit to work, leaving the father of four without income, stable housing, or reliable transportation. He currently lives with his mother, uncertain about what tomorrow will bring.
What Made Anthony Rice Special During His Memphis Career?
Rice carved out an impressive four-year career at Memphis from 2001 to 2005, appearing in 134 games as one of the program’s most dependable players. He averaged 9.0 points per game over his career and developed into one of the team’s most reliable shooters by his senior season.
During that final campaign, Rice elevated his game significantly. He scored 10.6 points per game while connecting on nearly 40 percent of his three-point attempts, a remarkable shooting percentage that made him a constant threat from beyond the arc. His stellar play earned him All-Conference USA Tournament honors and helped propel Memphis to multiple postseason runs.
Rice’s basketball journey continued overseas after college, including professional stints in Uruguay. He even joined the legendary Harlem Globetrotters, bringing his skills to worldwide audiences. When his playing days ended, he seamlessly transitioned into giving back, working as a coach, trainer, art teacher, and technician while always finding ways to support his community.
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Now, in the most challenging chapter of his life, Rice and his loved ones are asking for the kind of support he has so often provided others. The GoFundMe campaign seeks to cover his medical care, essential equipment, housing costs, transportation needs, and basic necessities for his four children.
Those wishing to support Anthony Rice and his family can contribute to their GoFundMe campaign.
