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It's not that I enjoy destroying my body, but I've managed to tear another ligament in one of my legs. This time I severely sprained my right ankle and tore a ligament on the side. Fortunately, no surgery required and I'm healing up surprisingly fast.
The main problem is that I never properly rehabbed my left knee from last year's surgery. I'm surprised I managed to play ball for this long. Anyhow, definitely gonna properly rehab this time. Time to hit the gym again!
Was recruited by a friend to play for his basketball team in a local league game last night, as they were short on players. It was my first competitive game since surgery on my knee last year, and boy was it a rude awakening.
I've gotten maybe 80% of my strength back so far, but stamina wise, I realized last night that I probably couldn't finish a mile run in an hour. It was pretty much like 5 minutes on the court then I needed a sub or risk cardiac arrest at midcourt. Thank goodness an extra guy was available. The fact that I've completely jammed my left thumb on a a bad pass didn't help. But overall it was a lot of fun, even though our team lost. It was nice watching one of the guys on our team who is this young athletic 21 year old, really making me feel my age. I definitely wouldn't mind having those 9 years shaved off when I step on the court.
One thing that I have to say after living in Hong Kong is the sports complexes that they have dotted throughout the cities is a great idea. Most of them are located upstairs from wet markets and have libraries in them as well. Truly an excellent use of space.
As for my second comeback in basketball (I tore my achilles about 6 years back), well, I should be hitting the league with my own team in a few months and hopefully I'll be back in game shape by then.
First is the fact that security is almost non-existent at sporting events. I'm not talking about armed security lining the courts but there's got to be a set of protocol to follow in the case of emergency events. I mean the players ran into the stands, the fans ran onto the court, all hell broke loose and no security got in to stop it. It was basically the coaching staff, players, team staff that intervened. If anything, the Piston's security and the Palace itself should be sued.
Then comes the fact that the players (I love the mugshots of these guys - it's like they're terrorists or international outlaws) have been suspended for a long time - Ron Artest for the entire season. Alright, the league definitely needs to send a message out, but these sentences should be shortened after a week, when the dust has kinda settled. Because self-discipline is one thing, but defending one self both physically and in principle is another.
Yes most NBA players are overpaid prima donnas who should stop whining and get in touch with reality. Ron Artest is kinda wacked and tends to get himself in unneccesary situations. But I agree with those who say, if someone comes to your work and heckles you for 2 hours, then throws a drink in your face, what would you do? Ok for those who work in offices this may not correlate well. But think of it this way...let's say you work at Taco Bell. You deal with annoying customers everyday, and you learn to smile and deal with it (OK Taco Bell may not be the best example). Customer's always right, right?
But if the customer throws a cup of soda in your face, what should you do? I'd say it's on. Millionaire NBA stars are still people and faced with such situations you tend to act instinctively. Plus a number of the fans came onto the court to attack them...if players can't go into the stands shouldn't the fans not come onto the court?
Overall it was a crappy situation, but I think some slack should be given to the players in this case. And fans also need to get a grip...this is sports, or rather, entertainment.
I will say this though...at least Artest and O'neal can throw real punches, unlike the pathetic ones I've seen in the past from other NBA players including Shaq.
Link: MSNBC - ABC, NFL are hypocrites, plain and simple.
Like I said, I'm a football fan, but unfortunately friggin' Cable TV lost ESPN and the time difference prevents me from catching any games. So no, I wasn't able to catch the Monday Night Football's pre-game skit that's gotten American media in an uproar...but I can imagine how pathetic it is.
With daily coverage of the murdering of innocent civilians by the US government in Iraq, all the corporate media companies can do is drum up some controvesry like this and then frame it so that Americans can get all worked up over a frickin' TV show. WTF? All I can say is give me a break...
Which I really do need, as I'm about to pass out at my desk right now...
American football that is. Yes, I am a sports fan and football and basketball are among my favorites. Living in Hong Kong, football is obviously equated with soccer, but having spent a good chunk of my life in North America soccer has never really caught on with me, while unfortunately I've been assimilated into the football culture of America.
Tomorrow is kick off for the new season, and I am psyched. Not just because I enjoy the sport, but also due to my compulsion for fantasy sports. Fantasy sports has come a long way, and as the name suggests, indulges the sports fan's imagination of actually being a part of pro sports. Since most of us haven't got a chance in hell of becoming a pro, this adds an extra bit of excitement to watching the games. Kinda pathetic isn't it? But it's loads of fun, and since there is a nice little sum in the pool for the winner of the league, it's that much more interesting. So my annual league with my buddies back in the States is set and ready to go. God knows this is a nice little diversion to what has definitely been a horrible month in both aspects of my career and my personal relationship.
Go Seahawks and Vikings!
Although I've never been a huge fan of Ricky Williams simply because I haven't seen too many Dolphins games and his running style doesn't particularly blow me away, I have to say I love the guy for what he's doing now though.
Retiring from the game...if I was in his position I wouldn't think twice about it, especially if I really didn't love the game anymore. I personally love sports, and if I was a pro athlete I'd stay on simply because I love playing. But if that's not the case, who cares if he's 15 years old - retiring is the right choice. He's been blessed to not have to worry about money, why not explore the many other things in life that so few of us ever have the time or courage to do? Mind you, if everyone had a bank account like Ricky there'd probably be more of us who'd choose to retire at a nice young age. But then again, how many would also be caught up with the lifestyle, spotlight, and greed that goes with it.
At the end of the day, I guess it's a breath of fresh air to see someone - especially a pro athlete - have the soulful insight to pursuit more spiritual things. The ridiculous state of sports today and the huge money behind the business has made his retiring seem like such a big deal, but what it really does is put into perspective how little sports, or metaphorically our careers, can mean in the big scheme of things especially when and if we lose sight of the reasons we're doing it for.
All I can say is do your thang Ricky, and I hope you share with us what truth you find on your new journey.
