One of the great advantages of being my age is all the things I’ve seen in sports.
From the clearly mundane to the stuff that becomes legendary instantly, I honestly can say yours truly has seen his share of happenings in the world of sports many times over. Unfortunately, that too means injuries and the fallout that often occurs when the key players go down and then can’t answer the bell in terms of a quick and complete recovery.
Obviously, there are all types of injuries, and while some are simply temporary and relatively easy to totally recover from, others are more about resting and regaining strength. Some can be of the nagging variety and linger, quite often putting a player in a rather difficult situation and requiring them to play in pain.
That’s exactly where the Indiana Fever is with one Caitlin Elizabeth Clark and her ongoing difficulties with her injured groin.
Yes, it’s the same injury that she was allowed to come back from too early. When she promptly reaggravated it, a lot of really talented people who serve on the Pacers Sports and Entertainment medical staff were left feeling as if Clark herself was dictating policy regarding her return and not listening to their advice.
She apparently made quite the compelling case about her condition to the training and coaching staff, convincing them that she was as good as new and ready to return to the lineup.
It’s not the first time a player has thought they could get it out until they played through an injury, but as any doctor will tell you, a groin injury is a very serious matter and limiting physical activity is the only way for it to heal.
One can’t blame Clark for being competitive and wanting to get back on the floor albeit it totally prematurely, but in reality it was a rather horrible decision for all involved. She sold it and those who run the show bought it.
Yes, it’s easy for me to get involved and say, “I told you so,” but in reality, that’s not the case.
If you’ve experienced serious abdominal pain before (I have), you know it can be excruciating and then some. Just sitting up in a chair and moving is a struggle.
Clark obviously has recovered partially, but there’s no doubt she is not ready to compete again, so why not shut it down for the balance of the season and let the injury completely heal itself?
While they’ve demonstrated some spirited play to date, the reality is the Fever are not a championship contender this season even with Clark in the fold so why push the envelope and risk yet another setback?
There comes a time when an organization must say, “You aren’t going back out there again for everyone’s welfare,” especially that of the player. That time is now for the Indiana Fever, and it’s certainly not a decision that needs any approval from Clark.
Danny Bridges, who is more than a few credits short of a medical degree but has learned about groin pain the hard way, can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
