Report: Suns center suffers eye injury

PHOENIX, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Phoenix Suns center Amare Stoudamire is recovering after being poked in his right eye by a teammate, the Arizona Republic reported Friday.

The 6-foot-10 inch Stoudamire, a six-year NBA veteran, suffered a partially torn iris when fellow center Boris Diaw inadvertently poked him in the eye during a practice on Wednesday.

The newspaper reported that Stoudamire awoke Thursday with swelling and blurred vision, which has led to his missing practices for the rest of this week.

"He actually had some damage to his iris, which is not serious, fortunately," Suns general manager Steve Kerr told the Republic.

Another newspaper, the East Valley Tribune, reported that an examination showed there was no damage to the retina or the cornea.

Stoudamire, a 2002 Suns free agent first-round draft pick, likely will wear goggles when he returns to the court -- possibly Sunday.

"It's going to be important that he gets back and try to get up his conditioning," said Suns Coach Terry Porter.