<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Growing Concern T.J. Ford departed early, bolting to see New York orthopedic surgeon Patrick O'Leary. Ford also saw his former surgeon, Robert Watkins, the co-founder of the Los Angeles-based Spine in Sports Foundation, earlier this week. While the organization remains tight-lipped about his lingering injury, the steady parade to specialists cannot be encouraging given the Texan's history of spinal-cord trouble. -- Toronto Globe and Mail There was no official report from either of the visits and the course of action for Ford remains to rest. "I told him to tell me when he wants to come back," said Sam Mitchell. "It's up to him." -- Toronto Star Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo has expressed deep concern over the fact that Ford has suffered three neck-type injuries since last season's playoffs, two this season alone. -- Toronto Sun</div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Dec 20 2007, 02:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>He should just quit IMO, you don't want to risk your life. He's already got money to live good.</div> That money can disappear pretty fast if you don't spend it wisely. It sucks seeing a player go through something like this, but if its not this injury that ends his career it might be the next one. No matter how healthy he feels; his neck will always be his weak point.
We're not talking about Jay Williams, here. We're talking about TJ Ford, who can still compete at an All-Star level in this league. I'm sure if he was seriously hindered by his condition he would consider retirement. As it is he'll probably continue to play and take his chances.
Celticsking, as a Celtics fan, you'd sure like to see that happen won't you. I think Ford still has it in him to play at a high level. He's young enough and has come back from spinal-cord injuries before. He should give it at least one more shot before considering retirement.
He shouldn't retire, but he needs to take this seriously. I want him back soon, but if we have to wait 2-3 more weeks, I will. He is a player we need to win, and I don't want him coming back too soon, then in 1 play, he hurts his neck even worse.
Im willing to give him the entire season if he needs it as long as it means getting him back healthy 100%. If he does choose to retire his NBA career early how would it work against the Raptor's cap room? Would we have to buy him out or would we get some kind of injury exception?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Locke @ Dec 20 2007, 04:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Celticsking, as a Celtics fan, you'd sure like to see that happen won't you. I think Ford still has it in him to play at a high level. He's young enough and has come back from spinal-cord injuries before. He should give it at least one more shot before considering retirement.</div> Actually that has nothing to do with it, since he won't be the difference if we ever meet in the playoffs. (we're already 3-0 against them this season) But he really needs to think about this and imagine if he had fallen a bit harder, he could have died, so its a big risk for him. I know personally I wouldn't continue.
