9.3.09

A Phone Call

The phone rang by my hospital bed last night. It was Pau Gasol.

I placed him on the speakerphones so Sergio could hear, then gave Pau the assurances that I was in good health. The doctors state I have a sore neck, a right hip “pointer” and a bruised chest. Pau expressed vast relief; as we chatted, Pau told me that Trevor Ariza’s nom de hoop is “the Cobra.” This derives from Ariza’s ability to strike unexpectedly from behind on defense.

Sergio smiled at this; he knows snakes give me a revulsion! The conversation with Pau concluded:

Pau: Oh, and thank you for the shirt [see previous entry].

Me: You are most welcome, my green friend!

Pau: Trevor is here. He’s wondering if you want to team up with him at next year’s slam dunk competition?

With that quip, I found my neck hurts more when I laugh. As for Sergio, he too has a stiff neck from sleeping in the chair by my bedside last night. A true friend! And many thanks for the kindnesses that my mates, friends, and so many strangers have bestowed upon me.

As to the flagrant foul, I was struck from behind, so I have no firsthand insights. As stated to a reporter, “I think it's two easy points for me and when I received the foul I think, 'Where is the floor, where is the floor?’” When I was hit and pulled from the air, there was a moment of flailing and panic.

At less than 190 pounds, I am not a man of much gravity, But even so, the landing impact was substantial. My winds were knocked from the lungs!

Viewing the video now, if the game's scores were close, I would view a defensive gamble of Ariza’s type sensible. But as the match was vastly in our favor, his act appears reckless to my eyes.

As to Ariza’s apologies, I accept them in the spirit they were offered. And when next the Lakers come to town, I hope my mates and I blow them out again by pouring points down on their faces!

16 comments:

  1. I'd like to think Ariza didn't do it on purpose. Thoughts and prayers for you Rudy.

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  2. Get well my friend! You are in all of our thoughts in Rip City! We cannot succeed without you!

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  3. We'll miss you while you're getting better, Rudy! The trailblazers won't be the same without you!

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  4. That was really tough for me to watch. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Get better so you can beat LA in post season.

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  5. Praying for you Rudy, Get better you are inspiration to everyone!

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  6. Sana, sana, colita de rana.....Now vemos maniana.

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  7. get well soon rudy. im thinking about you...

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  8. Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!
    please stay well. We need you.

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  9. Get well buddy! We need you!

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  10. I hope you will get better soon.
    Espero que te recuperes pronto.
    A tope Rudy!!!!!!

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  11. Maybe it just was an accident... anyway, praying for Rudy.

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  12. I'm praying for you Rudy. You played well last night and you will be missed while you recover. Espero que te veamos en el tribunal pronto!!

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  13. Get well soon rudy! i will keep u in my prayers! it was horrible to see you fall like that! but im glad that ur feeling better! get well and God Bless!:) Go blazers!

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  14. Good thing you're well. It now looks like Vujacic isn't the only Laker that looks like "a phisics experiment gone bad", Ariza seems to sucks at physics too.

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  15. Aw get well soon! You were the talk at my school today :]

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