Blake Griffin announces retirement from the NBA after 14 years: «I am grateful for every moment»
17 april 2024 в 20:25
Blake Griffin is leaving the NBA. After 14 years of playing the game, the 35-year-old athlete wrote a long message on social media, announcing his departure from the league. Blake began his statement by stating that he «never imagined himself as someone who would write a farewell letter to basketball».
«But as I reflected on my career, the only feeling I kept coming back to, and the one I wanted to express, was gratitude», - Blake continued. «I am grateful for every moment — not just the good ones: victories, awards, dunks, and memorable moments spent with family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches. I could go on about the people in my life who have made a huge impact on my career, but in this short non-letter, I must express my gratitude to my parents, Tommy and Gail, and my brother Taylor, for their unwavering support and guidance. Finally, to my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been a reliable voice of reason and my advisor during the wars — thank you».
Blake also recalled the «not so good moments» in his basketball career, noting that he is «indifferently grateful» for both the good and bad times, such as «defeats, injuries, too many surgeries, lessons, broken hearts».
The former forward then mentioned that his statement «wouldn't be a sports retirement letter without acknowledging the 'haters'». However, he did not specify who exactly he was referring to.
«All these experiences have made my 14 years in the league truly unforgettable, and I cannot help but feel grateful», - Blake concluded. «Playing basketball has given me so much in this life, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Finally, but of course, here’s the obligatory 'I'm excited for my next chapter': sorry, I’m done».
Originally from Oklahoma, he began his NBA career in 2009 when he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. He played for the team until 2018 when he moved to the Detroit Pistons. In 2021, Blake played for the Brooklyn Nets, and in 2022 for the Brooklyn Celtics.
Blake is the father of two children, son Ford Wilson and daughter Finley Elaine, with his ex Brinn Cameron. The former couple was involved in a legal dispute after Brinn accused Blake in 2018 of leaving her and their children to date his current ex Kendall Jenner. Blake and Brinn settled the lawsuit the following year
«But as I reflected on my career, the only feeling I kept coming back to, and the one I wanted to express, was gratitude», - Blake continued. «I am grateful for every moment — not just the good ones: victories, awards, dunks, and memorable moments spent with family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches. I could go on about the people in my life who have made a huge impact on my career, but in this short non-letter, I must express my gratitude to my parents, Tommy and Gail, and my brother Taylor, for their unwavering support and guidance. Finally, to my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been a reliable voice of reason and my advisor during the wars — thank you».
Blake also recalled the «not so good moments» in his basketball career, noting that he is «indifferently grateful» for both the good and bad times, such as «defeats, injuries, too many surgeries, lessons, broken hearts».
The former forward then mentioned that his statement «wouldn't be a sports retirement letter without acknowledging the 'haters'». However, he did not specify who exactly he was referring to.
«All these experiences have made my 14 years in the league truly unforgettable, and I cannot help but feel grateful», - Blake concluded. «Playing basketball has given me so much in this life, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Finally, but of course, here’s the obligatory 'I'm excited for my next chapter': sorry, I’m done».
Originally from Oklahoma, he began his NBA career in 2009 when he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. He played for the team until 2018 when he moved to the Detroit Pistons. In 2021, Blake played for the Brooklyn Nets, and in 2022 for the Brooklyn Celtics.
Blake is the father of two children, son Ford Wilson and daughter Finley Elaine, with his ex Brinn Cameron. The former couple was involved in a legal dispute after Brinn accused Blake in 2018 of leaving her and their children to date his current ex Kendall Jenner. Blake and Brinn settled the lawsuit the following year
© Artemenko Olga
