The Associated Press reports that Alonzo Mourning may have to sit out this season as his kidney condition deteriorates according to a source. The Heat released a statement confirming that Mourning would be sidelined indefinitely because "his chemistry levels have fallen below what his doctors feel is an acceptable level to play.''

Mourning, his agent and Heat coach Pat Riley declined to comment. The Heat said Riley would hold a news conference Friday to discuss the setback. The All-Star center definitely will miss the start of the season, said the source close to Mourning, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Heat opener is Oct. 30.

Even with Mourning healthy, the Heat went 36-46 last season, and Riley missed the playoffs for the first time in his 20-year coaching career. Mourning is to make $20.6 million this season in the final year of a seven-year contract.

Mourning had been seeing a physician every two weeks for a checkup, and the latest round of tests apparently revealed a change in his condition. In a recent interview, Mourning said he hates going to the doctor. "I'm petrified,'' he said, "because I'm afraid of what they're going to tell me.''