Zo Retires

by Jeff Clark on Jan 22, 2009 2:18 PM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

MIAMI -- Alonzo Mourning has decided to retire rather than mount another NBA comeback at age 38.

The seven-time All-Star center said Thursday he won't return from a devastating leg injury in 2007. He's not under contract but had been working out at the Miami Heat's complex and still had a spot in the team's locker room. Mourning hasn't played since tearing the patella tendon and quadriceps muscle in his right leg on Dec. 19, 2007, the fourth anniversary of his lifesaving kidney transplant. He said he feared another return would put his health in jeopardy. "I truly feel it's best that I retire," Mourning said at a news conference. "When you've got something you love and you're passionate about, it's hard to let that go. But at 38 I feel I've physically done all I can for this game. It has been an amazing ride."

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Aww shucks.

by GroverTheClover on Jan 22, 2009 2:25 PM EST reply actions

Gave 100%

Always liked the guy – would have made a good Celtic

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Jan 22, 2009 4:05 PM EST reply actions

He would have made a good Celtic but I’m glad he’s retiring still healthy. I hate to say it but life is much more than basketball. Zo was a great player and gave it all he had. Congratulations on a wonderful career!

by liamail on Jan 22, 2009 4:22 PM EST reply actions

hmmm

never was a Zo fan. I could never stand his muscle-flexing, sky pointing rituals after every meaningless basket. Too much posturing and spazzing out constantly.

The Larry Johnson, “We’ve hated eachother since Charlotte, lets pretend to throw punches with 10 seconds left in a playoff game even though we both know we’ll be suspended, and I’ll end up with JVG wrapped around my leg” fight is a favorite memory though.

But besides the muscle/pointing stuff the main reason I really can’t stand Zo is for the stuff he pulled on Toronto, refusing to report and thanks to NBA salary caps them still having to pay him against the cap. His attitude of I’m going to refuse to report to a team I don’t want to and then sign with the Heat was dispicable. I can’t say I care for The Raptors but between that and Vince Carter dogging it out of town they’ve been screwed over a bunch (though a team without Vince is usually better off).

by ChainSmokingLikeDino on Jan 22, 2009 6:51 PM EST reply actions

Its hard to like player that is not playing on the team you are rooting.
Personal agenda is out of business, how about Carlos Boozer attitude? and many more.

Zo played hard with desire and heart as well as KG who have his own antics on the court and other players outhere. I love watching Zo’s play and just ignoring those posturing. Ohh yeah hows Dwight Howard posturing last night?

by spoiled on Jan 23, 2009 5:14 AM EST reply actions