Antoine Mason tends to ailing father, return uncertain

AUBURN -- Antoine Mason's status for Saturday's game, as well as the rest of the season, is unclear as he tends to his ailing father in New York.

The fifth-year transfer left for New York City Wednesday morning after his father, former New York Knicks forward Anthony Mason, suffered a heart attack, as first reported by former New York Post columnist Peter Vecsey.

"It has been a difficult time for Antoine and his family," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. "We just have them in our prayers. We have been in touch every day, talking and texting. He has done so with the team as well. His status, as far as when he will come back, is uncertain. We will take it day-to-day and pray that his dad survives this really difficult time."

The New York Times reported, via Anthony Mason's former agent, Don Cronson, that the 48-year-old was improving as of Thursday.

"Right now, it's day to day, but that's an improvement from moment to moment," Cronson told the New York Times.

There is no timetable for Antoine Mason, Auburn's second-leading scorer (14.7 points), to return. There was nothing definitive for Saturday's game at Georgia as of 1 p.m. Friday.

"It is possible, but my advice to him is that he has to be there for his mom and his family," Pearl said. "If and when he is able to get back, he will. If not, then he won't."