Australian Out (with) Back

Milwaukee Bucks got more bad news when it was discovered that center Andrew Bogut would miss 8 weeks with an incomplete stress fracture of the back. Bogut had been in and out of the lineup for over a month with back spasms. Why the fracture wasn't discovered sooner is a bit of a mystery and one wonders if this could have been discovered earlier with an MRI or bonescan.

I'm not "House" or even Doogie Howser, but it amazes me when professional athletes try to tough it out only to later discover the underlying injury. Similar thing with Brett Favre this season. It was clear he was not passing with the usual zip or accuracy as the Jets floundered down the stretch. After his poor performance in the Oakland game, he and Eric Mangini downplayed that he was suffering from any arm injury. We later find out at the end of the season that he had a torn biceps tendon. I think both the player and the team have to except responsibility for not fully investigating these things earlier. Shocking, considering how much is at stake financially for both the player and organization.

You can admire the toughness, but don't ignore the stupidity. It's called an MRI. Get one. At these salaries, install portable ones in every player's Escalade. Barack's worried about getting affordable healthcare for everyone. Do we stand a chance when Pro sports franchises can't even properly diagnose their star player's injuries? Who are these team doctors? What, did they stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night?

Me? You think I'd be suiting up with a back fracture or torn tendon? Hell no. I'm out two weeks with a paper cut, my friends. Don't want that thing to get infected! Call me Ben Sheets. I, on the other hand (the one without the paper cut), will gladly accept arbitration.