Agent_Bond34 0 Report post Posted May 4, 2003 Credit to ESPN.com for this one EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Lakers already knew starting forward Rick Fox was lost for the playoffs. But further examination of Fox's injured left foot reveals more tendon damage than originally thought, making it possible Fox will be out from 6-9 months or even a year, the L.A. Daily News reports. "I'm getting more cautious," Fox told the newspaper, "because we've found more out than we had found initially." The Lakers knew from an initial MRI that Fox tore his peroneus longus tendon last Sunday against the Timberwolves. But Fox visited a specialist in New York on Friday and learned of a split in his peroneus brevis, complicating the surgical procedure he expects to undergo within two weeks. "The doctor keeps saying anywhere from six months to a year," Fox said. "But I keep thinking along the lines of getting back and conquering this challenge, but (I) also think about, 'OK, what's the risk factor of being able to walk with my kids and run, and make sure I'm not foolish in that respect and rush back too soon?' "So have things changed for me as a basketball player forever? Yeah. Does it mean I still play basketball? Yeah. But now the challenge is to be as effective, or in some cases more effective, if I come back stronger than I was before." Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars and former New York Yankee Chili Davis underwent similar surgeries to the one Fox faces during their careers. Devean George, who signed a four-year, $18.45 million deal with the Lakers last summer, has taken Fox's place in the lineup. "I'm prepared to play whatever role I have to," Fox said. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to make my fans happy again. And I don't know what role I'll be able to get to, to make my coaches comfortable." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted May 4, 2003 "I don't know if I'll ever be able to make my fans happy again." I was unaware that Rick Fox had fans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted May 5, 2003 I don't know if he does, but he's already made this b-ball fan happy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted May 5, 2003 Poor Rick he gets to spend a year at home with Vanessa Williams. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest starvenger Report post Posted May 6, 2003 Poor Rick he gets to spend a year at home with Vanessa Williams. I'm sure he's crying every night because of that... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mindless_Aggression Report post Posted May 6, 2003 The most useless 3 man in the league is down! Hurry! Someone get more grease for that hair! Stat! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Polish_Rifle Report post Posted May 6, 2003 That's karma for you. Talk radio here in LA is making fun of him because he's asking for an extension on his contract. That prick will be lucky if the Lakers spend the $1 million minimum for veterans on his greasy ass. I'm so glad he's hurt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ripper Report post Posted May 7, 2003 I don't care how much you dislike a team or player, its pretty fucked up to laugh at a serious injury. Its going to keep him out at least a year...so he will miss the ENTIRE next season. And Rick Fox is far from worthless. He might not make the highlight reel but real ballers see what he does on the court and can't help but appreciate that he bust his ass out there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted May 7, 2003 Don't mind PR. He's a fan of the heartless Clippers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Polish_Rifle Report post Posted May 7, 2003 Don't mind PR. He's a fan of the heartless Clippers. If they were heartless, then Elton Brand would have called it a season when he hurt his leg toward the end of the season instead of coming back early. If you mean heartless by referring to the organization and the ownership, then you're right. Why should I feel sorry for Fox? He has a guaranteed contract and is a dick who goes out of his way to try and bully people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted May 7, 2003 Elton Brand is the exception. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest oldschoolwrestling Report post Posted May 7, 2003 Devean George, who signed a four-year, $18.45 million deal with the Lakers last summer, has taken Fox's place in the lineup. So who takes over for Devean now that he is hurt? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Polish_Rifle Report post Posted May 7, 2003 Devean George, who signed a four-year, $18.45 million deal with the Lakers last summer, has taken Fox's place in the lineup. So who takes over for Devean now that he is hurt? A broom stick. Fox will not be back with the team next year and (hopefully) after they get eliminated in this series, they will be hard pressed to get rid of George. they should've used that money on someone talented like Corey Maggette. They'll probably sign Pippen and Piatkowski this summer to temporarily plug some holes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted May 7, 2003 Karl Malone. Suddenly the Lakers have a void in their lineup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Polish_Rifle Report post Posted May 7, 2003 That Rush guy is pretty sound. They should've put Tracy Murray on the playoff roster. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
