From Basketball News: December 12, 2007

Beat Up Raptors

The Toronto Raptors continue to be bitten by the injury bug. After just getting Chris Bosh and T.J. Ford back from injury reserve, they lose both Ford and Jason Kapono . Kapono's injury turns out to be just a sprained wrist after x-rays turned out to be negative. Ford on the other hand is more severe. Having a history of neck related problems any blow to his head can be a huge issue. Following a steal by Ford, he was on a partial break when fouled by Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks. Although no malitious intent was involved the result of the foul was severe.

Ford's head was thrown back on the foul, causing him to lose his balance, falling on his back. as he hit the hardwood, Ford's neck was thrown back slamming in to the court. T.J. was carted off on a stretcher and held overnight in Atlanta. Thankfully he was released today and is on his way back to Toronto. How long he will be out is still unknown. These injuries coincide with Jorge Garbajosa having surgery on his previously broken leg and is lost indefinitely to the Raptors.

From Basketball News:

A Sad Day for Canada

Steve Nash has announced that he likely will not play for Team Canada for any upcoming International tournaments. This includes any qualifying tournaments for the Beijing Olympics or the Olympics themselves should Canada qualify. Nash said in New york that his days for playing for Canada likely are over. At age 33 and having a young family, combined with the grueling NBA season, Nash's priorities lie elsewhere. Says Nash ""I wish I could play, some people say 'Well, obviously you can,' but I don't think people realize how difficult it is for me to do what I do for the Suns and accept the responsibility I have with this team, physically, mentally, emotionally and everything that goes with that off the court." This unfortunately goes against rumors that Nash would play for Canada should they qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

Nash played in the 2004 games while captaining the team. He stopped playing for Team Canada after signing with the Phoenix Suns. Team Canada coach Leo Rautins has enlisted the aid of Haitian-born Samuel Dalembert, who played in Canada's first qualifying tournament and currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, to work on Nash during the summer to convince him to play for Team Canada. Coach Rautins has not given up totally on Nash yet saying "We're hoping that we can provide the best environment that if he did play, there would be the least amount of stress and least amount of time commitment. That's all we can do from our end. and from his end, whatever he feels is best, we all support that.