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Requires medical treatment on kidney

New Jersey Nets center Alonzo Mourning will no longer be able to play professional basketball, effective November 24, 2003, due to an existing medical condition, Nets President/General Manager Rod Thorn announced today.

“It is with great sadness that I make this announcement,” said Thorn. “Alonzo is a true champion and a very courageous athlete who attempted to defy the odds with his comeback to the NBA. Unfortunately, his medical condition will not allow him to continue his basketball career. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he continues his fight against this disease.”

Mourning, who was in his 12th season in the NBA, was signed by the Nets as a free agent on July 16, 2003. He had played in all 12 games for the Nets this season, averaging 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 17.9 minutes of action. Mourning brought career stats of 20.3 ppg and 9.8 rpg into the campaign, which included three years with the Charlotte Hornets and eight (seven active) years with the Miami Heat.

Miami Heat President Pat Riley released the following statement today concerning Mourning's retirement: "It's a sad day in anyone's life when they can no longer do what they love, especially when they have no control over their situation. Alonzo had been the cornerstone of the HEAT organization for eight years and continues to be a role model in the Miami community. Our prayers and wishes go out to Alonzo and his family during this very difficult time. Like the warrior he is, he will fight this and prevail."

Drafted by Charlotte in the First Round (2nd overall pick) of the 1992 NBA Draft and selected to the All-Rookie First Team, Mourning was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1998-1999, 1999-2000), a member of the All-NBA First Team in 1998-99 and Second Team in 1999-2000, a two-time member of the All-Defensive First Team (1998-99, 1999-2000) and was the winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2001-02.

Mourning was also a member of the gold medal winning 2000 Team USA Olympic Team and was named the 2000 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.