Basketball Coach John Mark Scruggs Undergoes Liver Stent Replacement and Gallbladder Surgery While Doctors Address Infection and Possible Bone Marrow Damage
Coach John Mark Scruggs' fight for his life wasn't on a basketball court.
January 18, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 16, 2026
John Mark Scruggs’ daughter, Shelby-Anne Scruggs, recently updated on his medical condition and shared that he is doing better in the hospital.
His liver function had improved, but the doctors are still looking into his bone marrow, which might have become damaged or weakened from his previous cancer treatments.
In December 2017, Coach John Mark Scruggs was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
His battle became even harder when he developed a rare complication called Richter’s Transformation, which turned his CLL into an aggressive cancer known as Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
He stepped away from the game he loved to focus on his health. He bravely endured six rounds of chemotherapy called R-CHOP, but a CT scan showed it wasn’t working.
Later, Coach John pushed forward with five more intense days of chemotherapy and radiation at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville. The goal was to reach remission and prepare for a stem cell or CAR-T transplant.
He achieved that goal through incredible resilience and the support of his community. He completed his treatment and finally returned to the basketball court in late 2026.
So thankful to God that he stands here now. Praise to the Lord for bringing him thru this! I love you!
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Basketball Coach John Mark Scruggs Shows Improvement After Major Surgery
Basketball coach John Mark Scruggs is on a difficult medical journey, and his family reports he is fighting hard, showing signs of improvement.
According to a recent update from his daughter, Shelby-Anne Scruggs, he has undergone significant procedures to address a serious liver infection.
Coach John recently had a blocked stent in his liver and bile duct replaced.
The clog was causing a blockage, keeping anything from being able to exit his liver, and doctors hope the new stent will help clear the infection.
His next step is gallbladder removal surgery, with doctors also planning to surgically remove any infected areas from his liver to prevent the infection’s return.
The positive news is that his liver function has improved, and he has been able to eat more while in the hospital.
We are once again calling on all our prayer warriors for John Mark Scruggs. He has been in the hospital in Charlotte since Sunday afternoon and is continuing to have complications with infection, his liver, and the rest of his body. His bone marrow has become weak due to all the treatments he has had for the past few years and from infection.
However, some challenges remain.
Doctors are investigating possible bone marrow damage. They believe it may be a result of his previous powerful cancer treatments and prolonged antibiotic use.
The medical team is prioritizing resolving the liver infection before addressing the bone marrow concerns.
The Lord is working!
Shelby-Anne Scruggs requests continued prayers as Coach Scruggs moves through the next stages of his recovery.
Her post has drawn widespread attention and an outpouring of support. She expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and encouragement from the community.
Speedy Recovery, Coach John Mark Scruggs.
Continuing to pray for your dad. So glad the doctors were able to replace the stent, and hoping that this will help get rid of the infection. Also, praying for a successful gall bladder surgery and that he will be able to get some relief from all of this very soon. Love you guys!! 🙏🙏🙏❤️
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Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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