Mourning, 38, opts to retire
MIAMI (AP) – 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 sustained Dec. 19, 2007 – the fourth anniversary of his lifesaving kidney transplant. He had been working out at the Miami Heat complex and said he’s running and jumping again, but fears another leg injury if he returns.
“My health is more important than anything,” Mourning said at a news conference. “God willing I’ll be able to live another 40 or 50 years, and I want to do it in a comfortable state. Right now I’m there.”
Mourning, who turns 39 next month, played at Georgetown and was the second overall pick in the 1992 draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He also played for New Jersey, but spent the majority of his career with the Heat, helping them reach the playoffs six consecutive years. He was the backup center to Shaquille O’Neal when Miami won the NBA title in 2006.
If he hadn’t won a championship ring, Mourning said he might keep playing.
“When you’ve got something you love and you’re passionate about, it’s hard to let that go,” Mourning said. “At 38 I feel I’ve physically done all I can for this game. It has been an amazing ride.”