Money Players

A few months ago I blew out my new playing basketball. After some rehab, I went back to basketball, but re-injured it. And finally an MRI revealed I tore my ACL. I am having ACL knee reconstruction on this afternoon. ACL surgery has come a long way.

ACL tears are no longer the end of an athlete's career. If the surgical and rehab techniques used today were available to Gayle Sayers, Joe Namath, or even any of other affected athletes 20 years ago, their careers would probably have lasted five or ten years longer. The ACL can be repaired with no loss in function or strength. Many athletes return to play stronger and faster than before the injury.

ACL is now done orthoscopically (no 12" scar). Also, I am getting a cadaver graft, which is far less painful than having a tendon graft (I specifically requested an ACL with a 42" vertical). I hope to make my blogging comeback later this week, but I will be day-to-day. My basketball comeback will take 5 to 6 months. But I will be back! On a positive note, we can all take a break from the O.J. Mayo situation and breath.

In 2007 alone two NFL players have been tragically shot dead. There have also been several other disturbing incidents where pro athletes have been targeted. USA Today examines the dangers high-profile athletes face - and what they should -- and shouldn't -- do. A few highlights:

"Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter plans to try to keep a lower profile in public — as much as a multimillionaire athlete can, anyway. His sentiments are being echoed by the NFL, which is urging its players to 'lower their profile as private citizens and try to avoid making it conspicuous that they are NFL players,' league spokesman Greg Aiello says. 'In other words, don't make it easy for people to target you.'"

Hunter says: "I don't have an entourage. I fly solo. In an entourage, trust me, not all of those guys are going to be looking after your best interest. There's a lot of hating going on."

Several of the quoted experts in the article are security experts who are no doubt in greater demand these days.

"Kevin Hallinan, MLB's security director for 21 years until his recent retirement, says the league encourages players to use those free resources rather than hire bodyguards who may or may not be trustworthy...Hallinan says he discourages players from hiring their own bodyguards "because in many instances they hire their brother-in-law or a friend of a friend. If you think you're being stalked, we're going to take an interest and the price is going to be right."