Utah Jazz owner Larry H Miller has legs amputated below knee

Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller is recovering at a Salt Lake City hospital after having both legs amputated six inches below the knee on Friday.  A spokesman for the team said that the amputation was necessary due to complications from Type B diabetes.

Miller’s son Greg released a statement on behalf of the family indicating that the 64 year old Jazz owner was doing well, but that no further details about his surgery or condition would be forthcoming:

"Larry is doing well and is expected to continue to recover in the coming weeks and months."

Miller has battled with his weight for much of his time as Jazz owner, and suffered a heart attack last summer.  He experienced considerable complications and setbacks after the attack including kidney failure and gastrointestinal bleeding that required significant blood transfusions.  As a result, he spent the better part of two months in the hospital.  In October, Miller had surgery to address a bone infection and diabetic ulcers on his feet.  

Miller initially became wealthy by building a sizable chain of automotive dealerships, but has since expanded into broadcasting, retail and hospitality businesses and other types of real estate development.  His heath challenges led to his resignation as CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group over the summer, choosing his son Greg as a replacement.

Despite his health issues, Miller has remained a fixture at courtside during Jazz home games.  The mere fact that he was absent from Utah’s Tuesday contest against Minnesota at the EnergySolutions Arena led to speculation in the local media that something was wrong.   The following day Miller was named by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman to chair a committee charged with the goal of improving ethics in state government.  Miller was obviously unable to attend the ceremony, with “a hospital appointment” given as the reason for his absence.