I have a problem with Nadal playing with appendicitis.

[Russeljones]

There is a thread devoted to the subject but I feel this angle needs to be touched on.

By choosing to play an entire tournament with appendicitis, Rafael Nadal is setting an example of irresponsibility. One of the top professionals in world sports is saying "Success and prestige are more important than health".

Now I am no doctor, but if someone needed to be taken to the hospital, there is a problem that needs to be addressed. The fact that said top professional has (probably) access to the best medical care in the world and could (probably) be airlifted to a hospital in 5 minutes flat, does not excuse the message he is sending out. People can cause themselves serious harm by ignoring health problems and someone serving as a role model should be held accountable for failing to set a proper example.

I know the same people claiming Nadal is one of the most popular athletes on the planet (and he is) will attempt to crucify me for this, but there is a thing called 'cause and effect'. And the effect here is that some young sportsman will say "So what, I got appendicitis but my track and field meet is coming up, I am not missing that"; next thing he knows, he has peritonitis ( had to look that up because all I knew was that if the appendix bursts it makes you ill). And then things can become really complicated. Why? Because his set of values are affected by the perceived values of others. If the athletes he aspires to emulate put success over personal wellbeing, he is more than likely to incorporate that in his own value system. Consciously or not.

I know Nadal is a very nice guy but my feeling is people in his close circle are doing him a disservice by not advising him against this. If they are, they are not adamant enough (my reasoning being that such an argument would spill over into the media).

 

[The_Order]

Well then blame Roger Federer, that guy has played through all of his injuries, he never withdraws from majors unlike Rafa.

I think Nadal is just looking up to the Swiss warrior and trying to follow the example that he has set.

Federer has put success and prestige above his health his whole career, I just can't believe how he's played through so many injuries and guys like Rafa just can't do the same...

 

[Russeljones]

Well then blame Roger Federer, that guy has played through all of his injuries, he never withdraws from majors unlike Rafa.

I think Nadal is just looking up to the Swiss warrior and trying to follow the example that he has set.

Federer has put success and prestige above his health his whole career, I just can't believe how he's played through so many injuries and guys like Rafa just can't do the same...

This is just the type of response I expect from someone like you. A juvenile pointing the finger saying "but he did it too!". Playing with an injury is incomparable to playing with appendicitis.

 

[Bartelby]

He'd probably be walking away from a big pay check by not playing, so it's understandable.

 

[Backspin1183]

This is just the type of response I expect from someone like you. A juvenile pointing the finger saying "but he did it too!". Playing with an injury is incomparable to playing with appendicitis.

You think playing through a back injury or mono is ok?

 

[Bartelby]

Federer never knew he had mono when he played the AO. He thought he'd gotten food poisoning from errant sushi.

Federer also said playing with the back injury turned out to be a mistake.

 

[The_Order]

This is just the type of response I expect from someone like you. A juvenile pointing the finger saying "but he did it too!". Playing with an injury is incomparable to playing with appendicitis.

The mono affected Swiss warrior played 5 sets against puny Rafa at Wimbledon.

Success and prestige above health!

 

[Crionics]

Let's be honest, pro sport is an aberration. A complete aberration.

Pro sport is all about entertainment of the masses and making a lot of money, it's not about promotion of health. It's interesting you only realize this now. But is this particular story really different from the numerous pros who have taken painkillers to play through the pain and be able to finish matches when their body really requested a break in the first place? It happens all the time, the only difference is that appendicitis is more life-threatening than some of the common injuries pros play with the help of medication.

But in the end, it's the same; they don't let their body recover properly.

 

[objectivity]

There is a thread devoted to the subject but I feel this angle needs to be touched on.

By choosing to play an entire tournament with appendicitis, Rafael Nadal is setting an example of irresponsibility. One of the top professionals in world sports is saying "Success and prestige are more important than health".

Now I am no doctor, but if someone needed to be taken to the hospital, there is a problem that needs to be addressed. The fact that said top professional has (probably) access to the best medical care in the world and could (probably) be airlifted to a hospital in 5 minutes flat, does not excuse the message he is sending out. People can cause themselves serious harm by ignoring health problems and someone serving as a role model should be held accountable for failing to set a proper example.

I know the same people claiming Nadal is one of the most popular athletes on the planet (and he is) will attempt to crucify me for this, but there is a thing called 'cause and effect'. And the effect here is that some young sportsman will say "So what, I got appendicitis but my track and field meet is coming up, I am not missing that"; next thing he knows, he has peritonitis ( had to look that up because all I knew was that if the appendix bursts it makes you ill). And then things can become really complicated. Why? Because his set of values are affected by the perceived values of others. If the athletes he aspires to emulate put success over personal wellbeing, he is more than likely to incorporate that in his own value system. Consciously or not.

I know Nadal is a very nice guy but my feeling is people in his close circle are doing him a disservice by not advising him against this. If they are, they are not adamant enough (my reasoning being that such an argument would spill over into the media).

what to do? when one has snapped ligaments in one's knees, and wants to take a time out, he gets labelled with PED abuse. no choice, just gotta keep playing to prevent that label ya know?

 

[BringBackSV]

what to do? when one has snapped ligaments in one's knees, and wants to take a time out, he gets labelled with PED abuse. no choice, just gotta keep playing to prevent that label ya know?

Wait, he tore ligaments in his knee but didn't have surgery?

 

[MichaelNadal]

I get the sentiment, but one week he's critizised for NOT playing unless he's 100%, now he's actually trying to at least give it a shot and hasn't even stepped on court, and he's setting a bad example for trying? He's going to catch flack either way.

 

[Silverbullet96]

Wait, he tore ligaments in his knee but didn't have surgery?

I guess that would be the year when he won 3 Grand Slams.

 

[objectivity]

I get the sentiment, but one week he's critizised for NOT playing unless he's 100%, now he's actually trying to at least give it a shot and hasn't even stepped on court, and he's setting a bad example for trying? He's going to catch flack either way.

you can't explain irrational hatred borne from indoctrination. really. its irrational.

 

[LazyNinja19]

Federer plays with mono, bad back etc.: Fed fans "Oh, he loves tennis"/ "he plays whether fully fit or not, what a legend"/ "setting an example"/ "dedication etc etc"

Nadal decides to play when not well: Fed fans "Oh, another excuse for when he loses"/ "He's setting a bad example "

Definition of Hypocrisy indeed. Unbelievable

 

[TheMusicLover]

If Nadal and/or his team think he's able to play, nothing wrong with this decision.
Appendicitis can in fact be a non-urgent, chronic condition. I bet such is the case here.

 

[tennisaddict]

Either Nadal is dumb or there is no appendicitis.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Either Nadal is dumb or there is no appendicitis.

Sure. That would be exactly what you said if this was Federer. Be fair or just don't even post.

 

[NatF]

Nadal's missed so much tennis recently the guy probably just wants to play. Completely understand. I can imagine him thinking, "F*** it, I'm going to go out and try my best." If he ends up going home early then at least he gave a go.

TBH what normal guy is going to think if Rafael Nadal can play tennis with appendicitis then I can too.

 

[Bartelby]

"Money, money money"

 

[Russeljones]

The half-assed defence put up by the die-hards is reassuring. I know you didn't think I had given up on you.

 

[dirtballer]

This has happened in other sports. Brady Anderson had appendicitis the year he hit 50 home runs for Baltimore. It was treated with medication and he finished the year without an operation. Every appendicitis is different. As others have said, Rafa could be flown to a hospital within minutes if necessary.

 

[reaper]

There are all sorts of occasions where a player might send the "wrong message." When they play in very hot conditions it might send the message to an unfit member of the public that strenuous exercise in hot weather is safe. By training for 6 hours per day they send the message that sport should be prioritised over education. Ultimately Nadal has absolutely no obligation in this regard. If he thinks it's safe to play he should play. Any member of the public dopey enough to subcontract the management of their health to Nadal simply has to wear the commensurate lowering of their life expectancy.

 

[NatF]

There are all sorts of occasions where a player might send the "wrong message." When they play in very hot conditions it might send the message to an unfit member of the public that strenuous exercise in hot weather is safe. By training for 6 hours per day they send the message that sport should be prioritised over education. Ultimately Nadal has absolutely no obligation in this regard. If he thinks it's safe to play he should play. Any member of the public dopey enough to subcontract the management of their health to Nadal simply has to wear the commensurate lowering of their life expectancy.

Essentially this ^^ people can make their own decisions. If they don't have the mental capacity to decide for themselves whether it's safe to play sport then it's they're own fault.

 

[Russeljones]

There are all sorts of occasions where a player might send the "wrong message." When they play in very hot conditions it might send the message to an unfit member of the public that strenuous exercise in hot weather is safe. By training for 6 hours per day they send the message that sport should be prioritised over education. Ultimately Nadal has absolutely no obligation in this regard. If he thinks it's safe to play he should play. Any member of the public dopey enough to subcontract the management of their health to Nadal simply has to wear the commensurate lowering of their life expectancy.

Quite possibly the most superfluously worded post this site has seen in a long, long time.

 

[Bartelby]

The match will be coming up soon enough. Hope there's a surgical team and chopper courtside.

 

[reaper]

It's also right. Nadal doesn't have responsibility for other people's decisions.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Quite possibly the most superfluously worded post this site has seen in a long, long time.

Well he's spot on. You seem to just be mad he's playing, and would be equally upset if he weren't. The man cuts you like you're his magician's assistant and he's Houdini.

 

[NatF]

The match will be coming up soon enough. Hope there's a surgical team and chopper courtside.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9-Te-DPbSE

:twisted:

 

[easywin]

Quite possibly the most superfluously worded post this site has seen in a long, long time.

But its true

 

[Russeljones]

Well he's spot on. You seem to just be mad he's playing, and would be equally upset if he weren't. The man cuts you like you're his magician's assistant and he's Houdini.

Do you ever make a post in my direction with the intent of saying a single truthful thing? In this regard you are on par with some of the worst of them. The level of hypocrisy here is nauseating.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Do you ever make a post in my direction with the intent of saying a single truthful thing? In this regard you are on par with some of the worst of them. The level of hypocrisy here is nauseating.

Lol read this thread bro. You're clearly just butthurt, wrong, and exposed. Direct whatever words you feel necessary at me :lol:

 

[NatF]

This sort of thing reminds me of how there has be a warning saying, "Warning contains nuts" on peanut butter.

 

[tennisaddict]

Sure. That would be exactly what you said if this was Federer. Be fair or just don't even post.

If Nadal is playing through a small tear, i think it is understandable.

But given the diagnosis, i am left wondering how he decides to continue play without consulting his own medical team.

 

[Aretium]

I think what some people are saying is Rafa should stop playing. Not many here are medical experts.

 

[Bartelby]

If he plays like a sick man that's pretty insulting to the crowd.

 

[RF-18]

Federer plays with mono, bad back etc.: Fed fans "Oh, he loves tennis"/ "he plays whether fully fit or not, what a legend"/ "setting an example"/ "dedication etc etc"

Nadal decides to play when not well: Fed fans "Oh, another excuse for when he loses"/ "He's setting a bad example "

Definition of Hypocrisy indeed. Unbelievable

This was one thread from a single person.

Why do you throw everyone under the same roof?

 

[Russeljones]

Lol read this thread bro. You're clearly just butthurt, wrong, and exposed. Direct whatever words you feel necessary at me :lol:

Following your first sentence, it is hard for me to dumb it down sufficiently. It appears you cannot comprehend anything outside of the extreme ends of the black/white spectrum of discord and consensus.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Following your first sentence, it is hard for me to dumb it down sufficiently. It appears you cannot comprehend anything outside of the extreme ends of the black/white spectrum of discord and consensus.

Damn, i hope people respect me as much as you on here

 

[ctoth666]

Idk anyone who has had appendicitis and not been bed-ridden in a hospital.

 

[cc0509]

Now, I am no doctor .

Exactly, end of thread.

First of all, we have no idea if Nadal actually has appendicitis. Just because that is the story he is telling the media does not mean it is necessarily the truth. Secondly, if he does have a form of appendicitis which is not acute and he is taking antibiotics which are being prescribed by medical professionals, then obviously he is fine to compete. Do you really think he would be jeopardizing his health by competing if he were seriously ill with all of the medical experts at his disposal? :roll:

People need to stop being armchair doctors. We have no idea what is really going on and we have to assume that if he is out there competing he is well enough to do so.

 

[Goosehead]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9-Te-DPbSE

:twisted:

aarrrggghhhh AARRGGGGGHHHH...GET TO THE CHOPPER. (when arnie says get to the chopper..you get to the chopper).

 

[Praetorian]

I get the sentiment, but one week he's critizised for NOT playing unless he's 100%, now he's actually trying to at least give it a shot and hasn't even stepped on court, and he's setting a bad example for trying? He's going to catch flack either way.

Welcome to the internet!:twisted:

 

[Bartelby]

Nadal just lost the first set rather badly for him, so it may be an early night and plenty of bed rest.

The chopper blades aren't whirring yet.

 

[Nostradamus]

it could burst any moment now

 

[Russeljones]

First of all, we have no idea if Nadal actually has appendicitis. Just because that is the story he is telling the media does not mean it is necessarily the truth.

End of post?

 

[mmk]

It all depends on whether it is acute appendicitis or chronic appendicitis. The former often (but not always) requires surgery, the latter does not. My father had chronic appendicitis for decades, and participated in lots of contact sports with no problems. Acute can sometimes be treated with antibiotics, but in about a fifth of the cases there is recurrence within a year and surgery is required.

 

[Bartelby]

Second set much better, but it's an early night for Nadal and back to Ebolaland.

 

[generous50]

No, he should play to show strength and courage. He should play in Paris, and this loss plus the Beijing loss is painful.

 

[Algo]

No, he should play to show strength and courage. He should play in Paris, and this loss plus the Beijing loss is painful.

I'm gonna exaggerate (or not?): what's the point if he could die by playing through appendicitis

 

[Steve0904]

Federer never knew he had mono when he played the AO. He thought he'd gotten food poisoning from errant sushi.

Federer also said playing with the back injury turned out to be a mistake.

Yes he did say that about his back. He actually said as well that if he knew how bad the circumstances could've turned out beforehand, he would never have played AO 2008.

I do understand what Russeljones is saying though, absolutely.