It had been 26 days since Chris Bosh -- or the Miami Heat -- commented publicly and directly about his health status.

The Heat hasn't even provided an official reason for his absence, just listing him as "out" on the game notes, and not taking any questions on the subject.

Bosh has provided some social media hints, most recently on Tuesday, when he posted a photo of basketball shoes, in what appeared to be the Miami Heat's facility. And while reporters have largely been respecting his privacy, that message prompted some of us in the media to reach out to the Heat again for some sort of update.

The Heat didn't provide one; the team has been ready to put out a statement for more than three weeks, but has deferred to Bosh and his family. That's an important distinction here -- the statement that was released Thursday came from the Rubenstein P.R. agency, which also does some work for Dwyane Wade, and was not on Heat letterhead. That matters. It doesn't necessarily mean that the Heat is in disagreement with anything that Bosh wrote, but it also means that it isn't officially endorsing it either.

This should be noted: the Heat has repeatedly made it clear, behind the scenes, that even if Bosh feels he is ready to play, the team will not clear him to get back on the court for an actual game if it feels he is at any risk.

Now here's the statement....

“I know there have been many questions regarding my health and when I will play again. My situation this year has never been life-threatening."

COMMENT: This unequivocal announcement is the good news. The first concern should be for Bosh's long-term health.

"I am feeling great and currently I do not have deep-vein thrombosis."

COMMENT: The word "currently" is critical. As the Herald reported, he did have that condition in his calf. We had heard that the clot had dissipated, and the above sentence appears to confirm that.

“Together with the Miami HEAT, I am working with doctors, exploring the best precautionary treatment options and taking every necessary step to make sure I am healthy for myself, my family and my team."

COMMENT: The use of capital letters for HEAT stands out, because that is how the organization refers to itself when it releases its own statements. It suggests some communication and collaboration here -- or, at least, it may be meant to give that impression. Also, the word "precautionary" suggests that, whatever the condition was, it has cleared, and the goal now is preventing it from happening again. But can that be accomplished without blood thinners, which (according to every doctor we've consulted) would prevent him from playing, because of the risk of a contact injury.

"I have been working out, training with the team, watching film of the games, walking through plays and have attended home games despite not being visible to the public."

COMMENT: Heat players have spoken about this, and have been happy to have him around. Also, we've seen his warmup jersey and other team-related items (like scouting reports) in his locker.

“I will continue to support my teammates in every way possible. I remain positive that I will be able to return this season. I truly appreciate everyone’s concern and support.”

COMMENT: The word "positive" is confusing here. I took it to mean "optimistic." Others took it to mean "certain." Again, even if he's certain, the Heat will have some say in that, as they are intent on doing the responsible thing.