Bosh insists he won't quit

[October 13, 2016]  The Sports Xchange

Eleven-time All-Star Chris Bosh reiterated that he does not want blood clots to bring an end to his NBA career, even though the Miami Heat will not clear him medically to play.

In another video posting released Tuesday on LeBron James' Uninterrupted social-media site, though taped 2 1/2 weeks ago, Bosh maintained that the decision to pursue playing is not about money.

"I'm going to try to play basketball," he said. "We're going to go everywhere and do everything it takes to get back out there. If people can't understand that, you don't understand being a winner. I just choose to follow my dreams.

"(Competing in the NBA is) what I've been placed here to do. You really have to fight for the things you want to do and the things you really love. When does that stop?"

Each of the past two years, Bosh had his seasons end early when he was diagnosed with blood clots.

The Heat announced last month that Bosh would not be allowed to participate in their preseason training camp after he failed a physical and was unable to return to basketball activities.

"I think Chris is still open-minded, but we are not working toward his return," Heat president Pat Riley said at the time. "We feel that, based on the last exam, that his Heat career is probably over."

However, Bosh remains on Miami's roster, owed about $76 million for the next three seasons. Bosh is guaranteed the money, but the Heat could recoup much of it from insurance coverage if his career ends early due to his medical condition.

"I'm trying to figure things out," Bosh said on the latest video. "I'm just as confused as anybody else. I've been playing basketball my whole life. I feel I have so much more to give.

"People who see the money and see my situation and say, 'Hey just walk away.' I totally get it. I understand it. But I'm not really thinking about money. I'm thinking about where my heart is. I love the NBA. I love playing basketball every day for a living."

Bosh added, "I know the love for the children I have, the wife I have. I don't want to disappoint them. But I also want my children to know daddy was a fighter and he didn't give up very easily.

"It's kind of the thing: Am I on the right path? Am I on the wrong path because it's hard? Am I on the right path because it's hard? It's really confusing because this is my livelihood and career we're talking about. Our mentality as athletes and competitors as people is to defy the odds."

In 13 NBA seasons, seven with the Toronto Raptors and the past six with the Heat, Bosh is averaging 19.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and two assists per game. Last season, he appeared in 53 games and produced averages of 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

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