Wooden's Family Makes Another Plea

The family of John Wooden has renewed its public plea for fans to stop sending items to the former UCLA coach for his autograph.

His daughter and son first made the request when Wooden was hospitalized because of pneumonia. The volume of packages arriving at his home initially diminished but has returned to its previous level, they said.

Nan Muehlhausen and Jim Wooden said that Wooden struggles to sign items because of arthritis in his right hand and a previous fracture to his left hand.

"We hope everyone understands and respects our request," Muehlhausen said. "It is painful for Dad to sign items and he needs to continue to rest and regain his strength after his stay in the hospital."

-- David Wharton

Photo: UCLA icon John Wooden, always generous with his time, is unable to handle more autograph requests. Credit: Michael Conroy/AP Photo.