Injured Indiana Pacers star Paul George, who broke his leg during a FIBA World Cup scrimmage prior to the start of the international tournament, is receiving a gold medal for Team USA's victory despite not having played.
During Team USA's Blue vs. White game in Las Vegas George shattered his leg when he landed awkwardly against the base of the hoop, ending his tournament and knocking him out of the 2014-15 NBA season. His Team USA teammates, however, said they were playing the World Cup for him.
"(George) has a lot to do with (the meaning of the gold)," Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving told USA Today Sports.
"This whole trip was mainly for Paul. Every single day, not taking anything for granted. It's a devastating thing that happened to one of my good friends. It's crazy, but for us to bring a gold medal back - and knowing he's going to get one - is exciting."
Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski weighed in as well, saying he called George after the team won the gold. "In fact I just got off the phone with Paul George, just to tell him that he has been with us the whole way."
There's even more good news for George beyond the court. According to reports, authorities have caught the man responsible for breaking into his home in April. A 43-year-old man named Michael Lewis was captured, and is accused of robbing $15,000 worth of jewelry, Jordan brand sneakers, and other items. Unfortunately for George, none of the stolen items were returned to him.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department released a statement regarding the arrest. "Detectives would like to thank the community for providing information and the media for their continued coverage of this case." They also said that the burglar hadn't specifically targeted the NBA star, and deemed it a "random act."
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
