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Ex-NBA star fears Crohn's turning to cancer in Indonesian jail
30 Jan
Summary
- Former college basketball player Jarred Shaw faces dire health consequences in Indonesian prison.
- Shaw lost over 40lbs, fearing his Crohn's disease could lead to cancer.
- He was imprisoned for 26 months after being caught with cannabis gummies.
Jarred Shaw, a former college basketball player from Dallas, is serving a 26-month sentence in an Indonesian prison after being arrested for importing cannabis gummies. The 35-year-old, who played for Oklahoma State and Utah State, claims the edibles were intended to treat his Crohn's disease.
Since his arrest in May 2025, Shaw's health has significantly deteriorated. He has lost over 40 pounds and is concerned his Crohn's could lead to cancer, citing ulcers around his colon that require proper management. The prison environment exacerbates his condition with limited access to healthy food and clean water, and difficulties in obtaining his necessary medication.
Shaw's requests for further medical examinations, including a colonoscopy, have been denied by the prison authorities. He and the US Embassy have sought permission for him to leave the facility for a three-day examination, but these pleas have gone unanswered. Despite his health concerns, Shaw has been working on a book and maintaining contact with his mother.
