[vincesanity82]

Heat center Alonzo Mourning left Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter with a torn patella tendon in his right knee.

Mourning's knee buckled as he attempted to defend a driving dunk by Hawks guard Mario West with 4:22 to play in the opening period.

Such an injury normally requires surgery followed by a recuperative period of up to six months. Mourning, in addition, has limitations on any treatment as a kidney-transplant recipient. Mourning, 37, said in the offseason this would be his final season.

Hall of Fame guard Magic Johnson, who was sitting courtside, visited with Mourning in the locker room during the game, saying that the center recognized his 15-year career could be over.

"I said, 'Hold your head up high. You over-delivered to the fans, to the city of Miami. You should be proud of yourself. You gave the game 150 percent of yourself and of your body,' " Johnson said.


you gotta hate this for Zo, hes played through so much in his career. Hes definitley a player I look up to whos got love for the game..

Mourning tears knee tendon, career could be over -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

[azrael492]

He has been one of my favorites since college ball, and I was happy he finally got the ring before he retired. He is one of the athletes I would not mind if my son ever looked up to him after what he has gone through.

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by azrael492

He has been one of my favorites since college ball, and I was happy he finally got the ring before he retired. He is one of the athletes I would not mind if my son ever looked up to him after what he has gone through.

Yea Ive liked Zo ever since him and L.J were rocking out with the Hornets..hes a HOF bound center definitley..