Former All-Star, defensive standout Mourning retires

Posted Jan 22 2009 3:32PM

MIAMI (AP) -- Alonzo Mourning has decided to retire rather than mount another NBA comeback at age 38.



The seven-time All-Star center said Thursday he won't return from a devastating leg injury Dec. 19, 2007 -- the fourth anniversary of his lifesaving kidney transplant. He had been working out at the Miami Heat complex and said he's running and jumping again, but he feared another leg injury if he returned.

"My health is more important than anything," Mourning said at a news conference. "God willing I'll be able to live another 40 or 50 years, and I want to do it in a comfortable state. Right now I'm there."

Mourning, who turns 39 next month, played at Georgetown and was the second overall pick in the 1992 draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He also played for New Jersey but spent the majority of his career with the Heat, helping them reach the playoffs six consecutive years. He was the backup center to Shaquille O'Neal when Miami won the NBA title in 2006.
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