gor[b] Paul Gorbould: Words and Pictures

Ironman rusts out

Something strange happened at the Raptors game I was at tonight. No, not the fact that they won - at 3-8, that's merely unusual, not strange.

Tonight was Morris Peterson Figurine Night, a give-away to celebrate Mo-Pete's NBA "iron man" record of 371 games played without missing time due to injury.

Well, someone must have broken one of them, or stuck the steel support pin into it like a voodoo doll. Tonight, on the very day the Raptors celebrate Peterson's durability, the streak ended. The ironman was on the sidelines in street clothes, nursing an elbow injury.

Just in case there's some mojo in the voodoo dolls, I've thoughtfully created an arm sling for mine.

So now my "limited edition" figurine (7,494 of 10,000) is even more limited; we may have to wait another four years before celebrating the ironman record (say, how many injuries did Vince have during that stretch?)

Oh well, they are nice dolls. They came in large white boxes, and although you were supposed to show your coupon to claim one, it was a free-for-all at the main gate. The guy in front of us told his friend, "I don't know what these are, but I've got two of 'em!"

Get well soon, Mo-Pete. For now, you go on the shelf - literally. Right beside my Vince Carter "Mr. Big" bobblehead. I'm betting your figurine lasts longer.