The Miami Heat Center was injured in a game last night against the Atlanta Hawks.
After tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee during Miami's game in Atlanta last night, the 37-year-old Heat center was placed on the stretcher, but he refused the ride.Many professional athletes say they are going to retire, then change their minds. Should I remind everyone of Junior Seau? His former team the San Diego Chargers has him hold a press conference to announce his retirement, only to have Seau four days later sign a contract to play for the New England Patriots.*****
Mourning already has said there is "zero chance" of playing another season.
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Mourning is in his 15th year in the NBA, including 11 with Miami.
Mourning was hurt when attempting to defend the basket on a layup by Atlanta's Mario West. Replays showed Mourning's knee buckling without contact from West as Mourning was about to jump.
Mourning is a seven-time all-star and two-time defensive player of the year.
His 15 years in the league do not include a full year he missed because of kidney problems that led to him getting a transplant in 2003.
In Mourning's case, I believe it when he says his career will end this year. Alonzo has always been a class act. I hope he gets a chance to play again before year's end, but if he doesn't, I wish Alonzo a happy retirement.