Did Rudy Fernandez Overdo It?
March 10th, 2009 at 9:32 amBy Chris
Now, I’m not doubting the fact it hurts when you get knocked to the hardwood during a basketball game, especially when you are running at full speed, followed by a jump towards the rim. If something should happen during your flight and you get knocked out of the air, I know it hurts. But is it as bad as Rudy Fernandez acted when Trevor Ariza made contact with his head, causing Fernandez to land awkwardly?
Below is the video of the incident — all eight minutes of it — and to me, it doesn’t look like Ariza was trying to be dirty or even flagrant. He made a play on the ball and missed. Fernandez’ reaction was a little surprising. I guess I didn’t expect the play to hurt him as badly as it apparently did.
I’m guessing the stretcher and the neck brace were for precautionary measures because it doesn’t even look like Fernandez’ head makes contact with the floor, although, there was a whip-like reaction. According to Oregon Live, Fernandez has a soft tissue injury to his chest and side area. X-rays and CT scans were negative.
In other news, the Blazers absolutely smashed the Lakers, winning 111-94. That’s not a bad statement to make for a young team fighting for strong seed in the upcoming NBA playoffs.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:46 am
You’ve got to be kidding me. *sigh*
March 10th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I’m not trying to downplay the fact that Rudy was hurting, but man, it just seems like a slight embellishment. Perhaps I’m too jaded by flopping to notice when something is legitimate.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:04 am
he been watching paul pierce too much,he should have done the james brown throw off the cape thing and continued to hoop
March 10th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Some people were disgusted with Ariza, saying it would’ve been better if he just gave up the bucket. Look, I know the Lakers were getting their asses kicked, but does that mean you are just supposed to let the opposing team do whatever they want without trying to stop it?
March 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am
its very simple,dont step on the floor if you cant take it,he should be happy it wasnt rick mahorn or lambeer
March 10th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I’m a huge Blazer fan and even I can admit that Rudy is Mr. Floopity Flopper. If you’ve ever seen the guy in the lane getting bumped, you’d think he just got hit by a bus. His Euro soccer skills are impressive.
Still sucks that he got hurt…
March 10th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Like I said, it obviously hurts like hell to knocked to a hardwood floor at full speed. I’d be a fool to dispute such a thing. It just seems like Rudy was acting out a little.
A “soft tissue” injury sounds like a bruise to me.