When It Is Not By Choice

Over the years I have suffered several minor injuries while suiting up for my beloved Clip Joint squad. A sprained ankle here or a broken thumb there, stuff happens. Especially when you get to my age and the body doesn’t bounce back like it used to. While my injuries have caused me to miss a game or two I have been fortunate to not have to miss any significant time…until now.

In a playoff game against NWO last season I took a charge that sent me careening head first into the end wall at the plex. Even though I saw stars for a few moments I was still able to finish the game as well as play in the games the following week. A shot to the dome felt like nothing compared to a sprained ankle. I was wrong. The impact from that shot to my head continued to linger for weeks. I tried to ignore it but at the urging of family and friends I decided to go see the doc.

“No more basketball” is what the doc told me. Or at least not “until we figure out what’s going on and the symptoms go away.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. Now in all honesty, due to family obligations I was already considering taking the season off but at the urging of J.W. I was going to remain on the roster and play in a handful of games as we look for that unprecedented 4th championship in a row. That was my choice and I was good with it. I could have changed my mind at any time and decided to play in more or fewer games. The good doc took that away from me. Now I’m sidelined indefinitely and can only wonder about my future.

I know the squad will continue to prosper and win ‘cause that’s what the Clip Joint does! But not being a part of it leaves me feeling a bit empty, like there’s something missing. I follow the team in the news and stay abreast of what’s going on with the squad but it’s not the same as being out there. At this stage in my career I’m not looking for the fame or the big contract, it’s the competition and the camaraderie with the fellas that I enjoy. And I look forward to getting back out there. To quote the body builder turned actor turned Governor, I’ll be back!

#12 K.J.