A sports fan's lament

I have to take a few moments here to write a brief lament. For those of you who don't know, I love sport, all types of sport. I love the competition, the battle, the struggle to exceed one's own boundaries and excel. I especially love basketball. I grew up in Indiana, so it is literally a part of my blood. When you consider I was immersed in this from age of 5 to 23, you'll understand.

Also, I understand that my lament does not result from the most devastating or dangerous occurrence in sports this week, especially when you consider that Christopher Samba of the Blackburn Rovers took a full kick to the head as he was diving for the ball and Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills faces risk of paralyzation after a neck injury. But the following story saddened me the most.

Portland Trailblazers #1 draft pick Greg Oden underwent microfracture surgery on his knee and will miss most if not all of his first season.

Why does this matter to me? For a few key reasons. First, Greg Oden is a hometown kid. He grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. He played all of his youth and high school games in the same Hoosier culture and environment I grew up in. We support our own. He grew up knowing about Oscar Robertson, Bob Knight, Glenn Robinson, and tiny Milan. Even though I was disgusted that he and his best friend, Mike Conley Jr., crossed the border to play in college for the dreaded Buckeyes, I could never really dislike the guy. As he dominated my Boilermakers time and again, I just watched in awe.

Second, by all accounts, Greg Oden is a charming, humble, fun-loving kid. I've seen interviews with him, spoken with people who've met him, and watched his demeanor on the court. He's the kind of guy you'd love to be friends with. He's the kind of guy who'll go down to the YMCA and play ball with the little kids. He's the kind of guy who really didn't want to leave college yet and who you'd be proud to cheer and support. This is why I can't fully believe in karma. Otherwise, this kind of injury would only happen to people who "had it coming," not to this young man.

Third, Greg Oden is nineteen. Okay, maybe he's twenty now, but only months ago he was still a teenager. By no means do I think this means he's not ready for the NBA. On the contrary, It's a fantastic blessing that he was already drafted and signed to a significant contract when this injury occurred. But how do you cope with this? His life's dream was to be a star and championship winner in the NBA. With that, he has much of the hopes and dreams of a team and a city riding on his shoulders and now, it will be a year or more before he can return to form. Sure, I'm talking about sports, but we can all relate. It's difficult when unexpected and/or uncontrollable events pull your goals a year or two further from your reach. Facing that as a 19 year-old makes it all the more difficult.

Of course, this is also a blow to the Portland Trailblazers, who've had their share of bad luck, and to the NBA, who was hoping for a great Oden-Durant rivarly. But I'm more saddened for Greg Oden, the person, and the added challenges and pressure he will face now. This is my lament.

Grieving with Greg Oden

Vitale on Oden

Avoid Rushing Back

Oden Misfortune