<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Big Nasty:</div><div class="quote_post">The myth of Invincibility It is with extreme sadness that we witness history as the great and tough Karl Malone endures his first-ever stint on the injured list. While dreams die hard, it is hope that dies last. And now all we can do is hope that for Malone this is a temporary purgatory, particularly since we have heard for so many years now that getting and staying on the court is really about manhood, toughness, true-grit, determination, preparation, mind over matter, playing hurt and sucking it up. Maybe it's time to revisit the elements of real health: lifestyle, nutrition and luck. As the game's iron men have run out to impressive feats over seemingly endless careers, we have all come to look at Malone, John Stockton, A.C. Green, Ron Boone, Randy Smith and so many others like them with pride, admiration and a lot of jealousy. And how many times have we heard about these guys simply wanting it more than the other guy? Or that these players were just somehow greater men able to withstand so much more pain than anyone else and how they were simply superior men in so many ways. It is without question that Malone has worked harder than most, on and off the court, to help ensure his longevity. His year-round training regimen is inspirational and really should be emulated by all. I have no doubt whatsoever that Malone's daily routines and diet are fine and that he has always done everything he possibly could to get out there for work. But now his luck has run out and he can't play anymore. Has he somehow lost his toughness, his manhood, his ability to conquer all things? Has he all of a sudden become a slacker, a malingerer? Is Karl Malone now someone who is not willing to put the time in to guarantee his place in the lineup? Well, he's not playing now, so it must be something.</div> Link
