A couple of years ago, when the going got rough, Pat Riley bailed on the Heat. After Stan VanGundy righted the ship, Riley canned him and took over for all the glory. The going got rough again this year and Pat Riley bailed on the team again. Now, after Ron Rothstein righted the ship, Riley will return for the stretch run. What a jackass. I hate this guy. He can't even dance.

ESPN.com - NBA - Source: Riley to return to Heat after All-Star break (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2763451)

He did have a knee surgery and hip replacement surgery, right?

At that age, it's not so easy to bounce back from those.

I still think he's a jackass, but that is more based on his personality.

The article says he "couldn't stand the pain". Hip and knee, or a couple of months without Shaq and with Walker?

What's up with egomaniac coaches having surgeries during the NBA season? Isn't that what the off-season is for?

What's up with egomaniac coaches having surgeries during the NBA season? Isn't that what the off-season is for?

In a word: No.

A) You can't plan injuries that get of the point of requiring surgery.

B) Many injuries (coaches & players alike) are worsened by the strain of the season. You can't predict them, but once you get started with the year, these things either flare up, if they were pre-existing, or become known once you have the grind of playing on a consistent basis (players) or travelling, getting up and down off the bench (coaches) once the season begins.

and

C) The preference is to NOT have surgery. Surgery is a last resort for many players (AND coaches). You've seen how some guys NEVER recover from surgeries and many of these guys are scared crapless about going under the knife. This is why guys like Shaq wait until it become ridiculously noticeable before they get cut on. It's the same reason Ben Wallace refuses to get surgery even though he's rocking the G.I. Joe kung-fu grip wrist.

These guys don't want anything to do with surgery until it gets to the point where they CAN'T function. Hence, the waiting and procrastinating. Besides, judging by the troubles of Grant Hill, McDyess, Carter, and McGrady...I can't blame them. Just ask Jamaal Mashburn. Surgery can basically end things for you, so many guys (coaches included) are going to wait until it's absolutely mandatory.

We'll never know the extent of his pain 'til we walk his mile... but the timing is a little suspicious.
I hope someone comes up with a pic of Riley on the golf course or at a wedding dancing.:dance:

I bet the breaking point was in the bedroom, not his ability to coach bball.

He's been hanging out with Shaq too much.

In case you missed it DWade was carted off on a stretcher ... he hurt his shoulder pretty bad and may be out for a while.
Wade getting injured is as predictable as Spears doing something stupid... with his reckless style it's just a matter of time.... maybe we'll get them in the first round after all.
Look for Riley to retire again :^)

In case you missed it DWade was carted off on a stretcher ... he hurt his shoulder pretty bad and may be out for a while.
Wade getting injured is as predictable as Spears doing something stupid... with his reckless style it's just a matter of time.... maybe we'll get them in the first round after all.
Look for Riley to retire again :^)

LOL. I was thinking the same thing. Ron Rothstein, get that whistle ready. The sinking ship needs a new captain.

I haven't seen the tape of Wade's injury yet...but can we make Battier an honorary Piston? :D

I haven't seen the tape of Wade's injury yet...but can we make Battier an honorary Piston? :D

YouTube - DWade shoulder injury (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfuJS0SBSac)

Here's a clip, it's kind of short though.

YouTube - DWade shoulder injury (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfuJS0SBSac)

Here's a clip, it's kind of short though.Man...that looked nothing out of the ordinary, contact wise. I thot Wade's rib cage injury two years ago was pretty weird too. His injuries are kinda strange in the NBA. Basketball injuries are mostly ankles, knees, and hands...with a few back injuries mixed in. Is Wade brittle and not that well conditioned?

He's still a young guy...at this rate, I can't imagine him making it to 33 in the NBA.

I belive Riley is in his later 60's. You can't take any chances with your health at that age. He did the right thing.

Give the guy some props, he really turned that francise around. Most guys would have bailed 5 years ago when things looked so bleak. He stuck with it and got them a championship.

Riley will be 62 next month.