Derrick Rose is the star basketball player for the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old point guard is one of the best at his position. A couple of years ago he was named the Most Valuable Player in the league. Last year, Rose suffered a freak-accident injury during the first round of the playoffs. He tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during a routine jump shot. The injury deflated any chances for the team to win a championship that season. You simply can’t win a NBA championship without a “star” player. And Derrick Rose is a “star.”
The recovery period for his injury is usually at least 12 months. It differs for each case because no two tears are exactly the same. Given that he tore his ACL in April that would be right about now in terms of a return. Many fans have been clamoring for months for his return. Some are beginning to resent the fact he hasn’t come back yet. Rose has been cleared for full-contact practice since late February. Although we don’t know the exact reason why he hasn’t returned many speculate the young player isn’t mentally ready to resume playing.
Others have complained that he should rush to play because he “owes” it to the team because of his recent $94.8 million contract extension. They don’t understand what is taking him so long. Adrian Peterson, NFL running back for the Minnesota Vikings, tore his ACL and MCL (medial collateral ligament) at the end of the 2011 season. He not only played every game the next season but produced one of the most dominant seasons in NFL history for his position. He came within 9 rushing yards of the all-time regular season rushing record held by the great Eric Dickerson. Peterson did however win the MVP award that season.
Fans use this as an example that athletes should not only come back sooner than ever but be better than ever in their career. Adrian Peterson is the EXCEPTION to the rule. He is not the rule of thumb. Some skeptics point out that Iman Shumpert of the New York Knicks suffered the same injury on the same day and has been playing for three months ago. Just because he rushed to get back doesn’t make it the right decision. Additionally, Iman only plays about 20 minutes a game. Rose plays between 35-37 minutes a game. He has always maintained that when he comes back he doesn’t want to be hindered at all by his injury. He wants to be 100%.
The media scrutiny Rose has had to endure since the day of his injury is ridiculous. Many neglect to remember that the Bulls are in second place in their division. Why rush to bring back their best player if they already are safely in the playoffs? People act like this would be his last season to ever play.
The fact remains, Rose is a young player. Why risk rushing him back if he doesn’t think he ready? Most are willing to risk long-term, irreparable damage to the future of the franchise because they badly want a championship this year. I might be in the minority, but I would rather sacrifice the chance for a ring this year and get multiple rings down the line because my star player’s career isn’t done.
Before the season began I firmly believed that Rose wouldn’t come back until the playoffs began. I don’t think he has to announce to anyone (other than his teammates of course) if he is planning to come back this season. Fans need to stop setting unrealistic and unfair expectations on this normal person. He isn’t a messiah. He isn’t superman. He is a human being. Everyone heals at a different pace. Give the guy a break and some space.
What do you think?
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