Heat Center Alonzo Mourning Retirement Not Official Yet

Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning has pointedly not officially retired yet. He revealed on Jan. 21 that team physician Dr. Harlan Selesnick was initially concerned simply about his prospects of even walking again, after tearing the patella tendon and quadriceps muscle in his right leg on Dec. 19. Ironically, the date was the 4th anniversary of his life-saving kidney transplant.

However, Mourning recovery is going well, even though he still cannot drive or work out strenuously. He admitted to feeling helpless sitting on the sideline, because the team, in the middle of a 14-game losing streak, could use the help. The Heat have the worst record in the Eastern Conference, at 8-32.

Mourning, who turns 38 early next month, started the 2007-08 season thinking that it would be his last campaign, insisting strongly that nothing would change his mind. Even with his current situation, he's not exactly talking in absolute terms when the question of retiring comes up.

Pat Riley, the Heat coach, said he hasn't spoken with Mourning about the 2008-09 season, indicating that the decision to attempt to come back would be left with Alonzo.

Mourning's kneecap was completely displaced when he fell awkwardly in at game against the Atlanta Hawks. He tore the top and bottom of the quadriceps muscle as well.

Because of his kidney transplant, Mourning can't take anti-inflammatory medication or painkillers other than aspirin.

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