New York Knicks guard Cuttino Mobley retired from the NBA on Thursday because of a heart disease that he said has gotten worse.
Mobley said doctors told him he faced significant risks if he kept playing. The 11-year veteran said by walking away now, he could live a normal life.
Mobley announced his decision at a press conference at the Knicks' training center, where he confirmed he has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and said he had no choice but to end his career.
"The specialists I've seen made it clear that my heart condition has gotten worse and I couldn't continue to play professional basketball without putting my health and life in serious danger," Mobley said. "As much as I want to keep playing in the NBA, I have no choice but to follow the advice of my doctors and step away from the league."
The Knicks acquired Mobley last month from the Los Angeles Clippers. He never played for the Knicks after his physical exam and subsequent visits with specialists showed his condition was worse than previously thought.
"The doctors said to not chance it and I feel as though they're right, having an 8-year old son, having a long life ahead of me, it's the smart thing," Mobley said. "It's a tough thing to swallow, but things in life happen, but you have to keep going."
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.
