Late in the fourth quarter of last night's game with the Lakers only down by two, Kobe Bryant sized up his defender, and drove right to the basket like he has hundreds, maybe thousands of times in his career. Only his left foot didn't want to go with him. Bryant was on the ground for a few minutes, then proceeded to step to the line, swish two free throws, and get helped off of the court. To an average spectator, the injury didn't look too bad considering that Bryant got up and limped off of the court.
But after finding out that his Achilles was completely ruptured, it was clear that Bryant wouldn't return this season, but now his hall of fame career has come into question. After training and working so hard on his body every offseason to play at such a high level even at his age 34 season is impressive. But he's not only played at a high level for a 34 year old, but for most players in their prime considering that Kobe's averaging above 25 points a game this season and has carried his team.
But Bryant has never been known for his patience. And early this morning, like 3:30 AM early he took to Facebook to vent out all of his frustration with the injury.
Here's a video of Kobe suffering the injury late in the fourth quarter.
But after finding out that his Achilles was completely ruptured, it was clear that Bryant wouldn't return this season, but now his hall of fame career has come into question. After training and working so hard on his body every offseason to play at such a high level even at his age 34 season is impressive. But he's not only played at a high level for a 34 year old, but for most players in their prime considering that Kobe's averaging above 25 points a game this season and has carried his team.
But Bryant has never been known for his patience. And early this morning, like 3:30 AM early he took to Facebook to vent out all of his frustration with the injury.
"This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??
I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me...Then again maybe not! It's 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I'm wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what's the purpose of social media if I won't bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.
One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day.
"If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear". Ive always loved that quote. Thats "mamba mentality" we don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run. We endure and conquer.
I know it's a long post but I'm Facebook Venting LOL. Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge.
Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru.
Thank you for all your prayers and support. Much Love Always.
Mamba Out"
NBA players have returned from Achilles injuries in the past, with Dominique Wilkins, Elton Brand, and Chauncey Billups as its most recent notable examples, but none of these players returned to anywhere near their pre-injury level. Billups returned after a nine-month rehab earlier in 2012-13, but the veteran has been dealing with all manner of injury concerns in his comeback season. Isiah Thomas, at around the same age as Bryant, retired due to an Achilles tear.
This is Kobe Bryant though. This is the man who gave Los Angeles Laker fans something to lean on while Dwight Howard sulked, Mike D’Antoni fumed, Pau Gasol limped, and Steve Nash watched in street clothes from the sideline. After two shot-happy years in the wilderness between 2010 and 2012, he returned this season at age 34 to provide an efficient, reliable offensive game on knees that went pro during the Clinton Administration. Kobe Bryant doesn’t go out on a locally-televised game on a Friday night against Golden State. Kobe Bryant goes out after you call security (and their backups) to show him the door. If then, even.
He'll be back.
Here's a video of Kobe suffering the injury late in the fourth quarter.
