March 27, 2009 8:35 pm

Wooden's Family: 'Please, No More Autographs'

Coach John Wooden’s family is asking that fans stop sending him items to be autographed.

Nan Muehlhausen and Jim Wooden, Coach Wooden’s daughter and son, said it is painful for him to give his autograph because of arthritis in his right hand, and that he has difficulty holding items in his left hand, which he fractured in a fall last year.

“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.”

She said items that have already been mailed or shipped will be returned to the post office or shipping service to be returned to sender.

The 98-year-old Wooden was released from the hospital on March 10 after a bout with pneumonia.