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Sports

Injuries impacting season

by ELI JABBE
The Daily Cougar

The world of sports wouldn't be complete without injuries. Every season, at least one star athlete is taken out of the equation because of physical ailments. 

This season has seen some of the NBA's biggest names sit out because of injuries. The impact of these injuries has played a huge part in not only the fates of these teams, but also the players' long-term prospects. 

It seems every time somebody tunes into SportsCenter, there is an update about another player getting hurt. 

As Houston fans already know, Yao Ming has been plagued this season by a broken tibia. Fortunately, the Rockets didn't collapse since Yao's injury in December, and he is set to return this week. 

The most shocking injuries have occurred in past weeks. First, Miami guard Dwyane Wade dislocated his left shoulder against Houston on Feb. 21.

He could possibly miss the rest of the season, which will surely ruin Miami's chances of defending its NBA title. 

Unfortunately, there won't be a return for Los Angeles Clippers guard Shaun Livingston, who recently dislocated his right knee on a seemingly harmless play where he attempted an uncontested layup. 

Anybody who has seen the clip of this injury surely has cringed. It's sad for a promising young player to lose the rest of his season. 

Livingston is out for the next eight to 12 months, and as Clippers team physician Dr. Tony Daly explained, "It's probably the most serious injury you can have to the knee. He might miss all of next year, (as well)."

Injuries are bound to happen in sports. If it weren't for famous injuries such as Drew Bledsoe getting hurt in the regular season, the legend of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots wouldn't have been born. 

But it's unfortunate to see bright prospects snuffed because of mishaps. Here's to Livingston's quick recovery.

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