An American former college basketball star is facing a severe health crisis while incarcerated in Indonesia, having lost a significant amount of weight and expressing fears that his chronic medical condition could develop into cancer.
From Courtroom Relief to Mounting Health Fears
Jarred Shaw, a 35-year-old Dallas native who previously played for Oklahoma State and Utah State basketball teams, was sentenced to 26 months in prison last year after being arrested for illegally importing cannabis-infused gummies from Thailand. While he initially felt relief at avoiding Indonesia's notoriously strict drug penalties—which can include life imprisonment or even the death penalty—that relief has now transformed into genuine fear for his wellbeing.
A Deteriorating Medical Situation Behind Bars
Shaw suffers from Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that affects the digestive system and is believed to impact up to one million Americans. During a recent phone interview from prison, he revealed alarming details about his deteriorating health since his incarceration began in May 2025.
'I have lost over 40 pounds since I've been incarcerated,' Shaw disclosed. 'My fear is not being healthy and this affecting me long term, because Crohn's could turn into something else.'
The former athlete, who was playing professionally for the Indonesian Tangerang Hawks basketball team when arrested, explained that his particular concern involves the potential for his condition to develop into colorectal cancer. Medical experts confirm that people with Crohn's disease do face an increased risk of developing cancers affecting the colon, large intestine, or rectum.
Struggling to Maintain Treatment in Prison Conditions
Shaw's situation highlights the challenges of managing serious medical conditions within the Indonesian prison system. Before his sentencing, he was granted a hospital examination to support his case, but since being imprisoned, he claims his access to proper care has significantly diminished.
He relies on an assistant who collects his medication every few weeks—treatment that costs between $800 and $850 monthly. However, medication represents only part of the battle against Crohn's disease, with diet playing an equally crucial role in managing symptoms and reducing cancer risks.
Behind bars, Shaw receives just two meals daily and struggles to maintain adequate nutrition. While he occasionally orders in healthier options like grilled chicken and rice, he cannot afford to do this regularly throughout his sentence. 'I try to avoid greasy prison food,' he explained, adding concerns about hydration: 'I'm dehydrated because the water isn't clean.'
Medical Requests Ignored as Health Declines
Perhaps most concerning are Shaw's claims that both he and the US Embassy have requested permission for him to undergo further medical examinations, including a recommended colonoscopy. These requests would require him to leave the prison facility for three days, but according to Shaw, they have so far been ignored by prison authorities.
'My main thing is I want to get back to the doctor,' he emphasized during the interview. 'But that requires for me to be out away from the prison for three days.'
Shaw described having ulcers around his colon that require careful management. 'If they go untreated or unmanaged,' he warned, 'they could definitely turn into something more serious over time.'
Personal Toll and Future Uncertainties
The human cost of Shaw's imprisonment extends beyond his physical health. He speaks with his elderly mother several times weekly but realistically won't see her until his release. 'She's still concerned with my Crohn's and my situation,' he shared. 'It's getting worse... my health is still at risk daily.'
To cope with his circumstances, Shaw has been working on a book during his incarceration. His arrest stemmed from a package containing 132 cannabis gummies with an estimated street value of $400, which he maintains he purchased to help manage his Crohn's symptoms rather than for recreational purposes.
As his sentence continues, Shaw's case raises questions about healthcare access for foreign nationals in Indonesia's prison system and the particular vulnerabilities faced by those with chronic medical conditions. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can follow drug-related offenses in countries with stringent anti-narcotics laws, even for substances some use medicinally.
