Sometimes the worst thing is having the choice. You sometimes want there to be no other option, it takes the decision away from you, and also the burden of having to make that choice. Although it sounds like he's at that point, if his nerves are being compressed, nothing is going to relieve it other then surgery....and even then, its not a guarantee. Its a dark place once you realize youre disabled, ive been there. I was resigned to surgery on my last dealing with it, fortunate for me the steroid shot did the trick, but had it not I was prepared for surgery. When I first dealt with it, my friend and I had tried putting together our own team for about 3 years, we finally got one together and there was no way i could play, I didnt play for another 6 months. I would go to watch the games once in a while, but it just made it more depressing. But he's going to have to have it if there has been no improvements since April. One comment I read that didnt sit too well is he doesnt want to retire:
"If Horton can no longer play, he couldn't retire either, at least not officially. If he did, the cap recapture penalties would significantly impact the Blue Jackets and Horton wouldn't receive the money he is owed after signing the contract last fall. He could be placed on long-term injured reserve each year to keep his $5.3 million annual average salary off of the cap, but he'd still get paid."
With all due respect, you shouldnt get paid for the remainder of his contract if he cant play....it seems like the Pronger deal where we know he's never going to play again for about the last 4 years, but he hasnt retired and is still getting paid even though he hasnt played in in 4 years. Not trying to be in passionate for him, but youre not earning the contract. How does it count against the cap if he retires vs long term IR? Sounds like that rule needs to be revised for situations such as this. Insurance will pay you for what you cant play, but he shouldnt be getting $5m a year for the next 5 years if he never plays again. But then, who woulndt want that deal?
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on...-horton-enduring-living-hell-with-back-injury
I certainly dont envy him, but can relate to him. I know I will probably eventually need surgery, but im able to live right now. 8 days of being bed ridden was enough for me to be ready for surgery, I cant imagine going through that level of pain for that long. Its a tough decision to make, but there is life after hockey....he's made some good money and hopefully he was smart enough to stash a good amount of it away.
