Breaking News: Alonzo Mourning To Retire

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." 

Last week Tony Dungy, this week Zo. Another guy I hate to see go. In his 15 seasons, Mourning's played for the Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets, and Miami Heat (twice). He was the 2nd pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, and averaged 21 points, 10 boards, and 3 blocks in his rookie season. Twice he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Mourning even more notoriety after his battle with a kidney disease that caused him to miss a plethora of games from 2000 to 2004, including the entire '02-'03 season. 

Mourning was one of the hardest working, most intense players in the NBA. That, along with his battle back from his kidney disease, which incldued undergoing a successful kidney transplant, made him one of the most respect players in The League among his peers, and fans, too. 

Over his career, Mourning averaged 17.1 points, and 8.5 rebounds per game. His desire to contest every shot  also made him one of the most dunked-on players in the NBA. Lol. Much respect to Zo.

Every hoops fan should remember this...

Via: ESPN