Alonzo Mourning retires. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Kurant · 11-24-2003, 02:07 PM

Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Alonzo Mourning's NBA career is over.

The seven-time All-Star center will soon need a kidney transplant and will no longer be able to play professional basketball, New Jersey Nets president and general manager Rod Thorn announced on Monday morning.

"It is with great sadness that I make this announcement," Thorn said. "Alonzo is a true champion and a very courageous athlete who attempted to defy the odds with his comeback to the NBA. Unfortunately, his medical condition will not allow him to continue his basketball career. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he continues his fight against this disease."

The team said Mourning needs a transplant "in the near future" and that a nationwide search is under way for a prospective donor.

The 33-year-old Mourning left the Miami Heat and signed a four-year, $22 million contract with the Nets last July despite missing the entire 2002-03 season with a kidney disease.

In 2000, Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a disease that causes chronic kidney failure within a decade in more than half of the people diagnosed.

Dr. Gerald Appel of Columbia University Medical Center said Mourning's kidney function has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks.

"It is no longer medically safe for him to play basketball," Appel said. "Although he still feels well, the chemical imbalances in his blood make it dangerous for him to play."

Mourning played in 12 games for the Nets this season, averaging a disappointing 8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 17.9 minutes. His career averages were 20.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game coming into this season.

He was in his 12th season in the NBA, having previously played for the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. He also was a member of the 2000 gold medal-winning Team USA Olympic squad

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What a sad story. It's always sad to hear and see stories about an all around good guy, playing in the NBA. I think everyone will wish him well. Kidney problems is nothing to laugh or joke about.

MontanaXVI · 11-24-2003, 04:33 PM

I always did think 'Zo was a helluva ball player another great in the long line of G-Town centers, Dikembe, Ewing, 'Zo just to name a few

Hrothgar · 11-24-2003, 05:33 PM

It is unfortunate to have to retire due to illness. I hope he gets his transplant and is able to live out his life without more kidney ailments.

SysteMatiC · 11-24-2003, 06:54 PM

Yeah i always like watching Zo play. I hope he gets well and finds a match

SAM821 · 11-24-2003, 07:09 PM

Im gonna miss zo.... He was the Miami Heat (with tim hardaway) for 7 seasons... I hope he finds a donor..

dragon2fire · 11-24-2003, 07:25 PM

o thats sad

he was one of the few good big menin the east left

Soggybagel · 11-24-2003, 09:06 PM

I think its sad that he can't retire on his own terms.

RHix613 · 11-25-2003, 07:40 AM

It is a terrible tragedy and I know everyone wishes him a speedy match and a recovery to the best health possible. I always thought he was a better "player" then his draft day counterpart O'Neal. But, O'Neal was able to overshadow him with all the hype. But I believe Alonzo made the best of his career and we will miss him.

11-24-2003, 02:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kurant Junkie Location: Don't worry about it.	Alonzo Mourning retires. Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Alonzo Mourning's NBA career is over. The seven-time All-Star center will soon need a kidney transplant and will no longer be able to play professional basketball, New Jersey Nets president and general manager Rod Thorn announced on Monday morning. "It is with great sadness that I make this announcement," Thorn said. "Alonzo is a true champion and a very courageous athlete who attempted to defy the odds with his comeback to the NBA. Unfortunately, his medical condition will not allow him to continue his basketball career. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he continues his fight against this disease." The team said Mourning needs a transplant "in the near future" and that a nationwide search is under way for a prospective donor. The 33-year-old Mourning left the Miami Heat and signed a four-year, $22 million contract with the Nets last July despite missing the entire 2002-03 season with a kidney disease. In 2000, Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a disease that causes chronic kidney failure within a decade in more than half of the people diagnosed. Dr. Gerald Appel of Columbia University Medical Center said Mourning's kidney function has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. "It is no longer medically safe for him to play basketball," Appel said. "Although he still feels well, the chemical imbalances in his blood make it dangerous for him to play." Mourning played in 12 games for the Nets this season, averaging a disappointing 8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 17.9 minutes. His career averages were 20.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game coming into this season. He was in his 12th season in the NBA, having previously played for the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. He also was a member of the 2000 gold medal-winning Team USA Olympic squad ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What a sad story. It's always sad to hear and see stories about an all around good guy, playing in the NBA. I think everyone will wish him well. Kidney problems is nothing to laugh or joke about.

11-24-2003, 04:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
MontanaXVI Junkie Location: Go A's!!!!	I always did think 'Zo was a helluva ball player another great in the long line of G-Town centers, Dikembe, Ewing, 'Zo just to name a few __________________ Spank you very much

11-24-2003, 05:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Hrothgar He's My Girl Location: The Champagne Douche	It is unfortunate to have to retire due to illness. I hope he gets his transplant and is able to live out his life without more kidney ailments. __________________ The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar.

11-24-2003, 06:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
SysteMatiC Insane Location: unfortunately not ireland	Yeah i always like watching Zo play. I hope he gets well and finds a match __________________ I have more respect for a man who says what he means, even if he is wrong, then one who acts like an angel, but is nothing but a devil.

11-24-2003, 07:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
SAM821 Surviving Hurricanes Location: Miami, Florida	Im gonna miss zo.... He was the Miami Heat (with tim hardaway) for 7 seasons... I hope he finds a donor..

11-24-2003, 07:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
dragon2fire Junkie	o thats sad he was one of the few good big menin the east left

11-24-2003, 09:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
Soggybagel Psycho Location: Lovely City #1	I think its sad that he can't retire on his own terms.

11-25-2003, 07:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
RHix613 Tilted	It is a terrible tragedy and I know everyone wishes him a speedy match and a recovery to the best health possible. I always thought he was a better "player" then his draft day counterpart O'Neal. But, O'Neal was able to overshadow him with all the hype. But I believe Alonzo made the best of his career and we will miss him.