Anyone see this? Scary stuff, particularly given T.J.'s medical history. <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mC0GpXInX84&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mC0GpXInX84&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
Yeah anytime you see a basketball player go down that hard it's pretty scary. But watching that I didn't get the feeling that it was an intentional foul, looked like he was trying to block the shot from behind but overestimated his reach and ended up catching TJ just wrong and down he went.
I saw the replay several times over, and I agree with Terry that the takedown certainly was unintentional, but the risk of any hard foul is exactly what happened. Ford is fortunate it was not any worse. I believe hard fouls should be outlawed at all levels. Horford was suspended for a game, which I don't believe is enough, but it's the NBA, so I don't expect anyone to get riled up over it. I'm not familiar with Ford's medical history. What is it?
There was no one more upset about the situation than Horford. He was kicked out of the game but he went to the hospital after the game to see Ford and didn't leave until he was able to see Ford. He was very upset and is not a dirty player.
Two issues here: 1) Stupidity of a player, dirty or not, for applying the "hard foul". It was obvious that he had no chance of getting to the ball so again, dirty or not, it was no accident and he is at fault. 2) Stupidity of the player that plays knowing he has spinal stenosis. He is opening himself up to a hard reality in the not too distant future. There is much more to life than basketball.
Well said, Tom. I didn't see a deliberate act, but I did see a wanton disregard for the other player's safety. Horford was clearly beaten, yet he still went for the block. No doubt Horford was upset (although I seriously doubt "there was no one more upset" - Ford does have a family) once he realized how close his irresponsible actions came to seriously injuring another player.
I can't disagree with you Tom, but my basic point is that it is very unlikely that you will see stuff like this from Horford. He is genuinely upset it happened and there is no doubt in my mind he is sincere. But your basic point is right and he did deserve to serve a suspension.