It's not easy playing through pain (not the same as playing hurt). Takes fortitude and guts and an overwhelming desire to contribute to the team. Right now, we have three, maybe four, guys playing through pain: Francis, sprained ankle; Rogers, torn thumb tendon; Bullard, hyperextended elbow; and I'm sure that Dream isn't entirely comfortable yet. I am so proud of each of them. It's very easy for an athlete today to cop an excuse to take it easy for a while. Hangnails, minor strains, even battle fatigue, whatever that means, seems to get guys on the IR list why they still get paid. Shrempf - crick in the neck; Pippen - back spasms; they're suspect to me. I'be bet if there was anyway in the world CB could convince the doctors to let him play, he would. Remember MJ in that playoff game a couple of seasons back? A true competitor. Happens in baseball all the time; just disgusts me. Less often in hockey and football - but it does happen. Kudos to the real men in sports, who aren't just settling for a guaranteed paycheck.
