24 seconds with Michael Dickerson: Federal Way standout accepts retirement

The "end" happened in November 2001. That's when ex-Memphis guard Michael Dickerson suffered a stress fracture in the right groin area against Phoenix. The Federal Way standout had multiple surgeries to correct what doctors classified as a freak injury, but Dickerson, 28, wasn't the same. Unable to compete in his sixth NBA season, Dickerson retired in October. Dickerson now splits his time between Federal Way and Vancouver, B.C.

Seattle Times: You've tried several times to come back from the "sports hernia," appearing in 10 games since 2001. Is this officially it for you?

Michael Dickerson: I'm done. It's still sensitive to talk about it. It was a freak injury.

ST: What exactly happened?

MD: Usually when you hear of a groin injury, it's a ligament pull. The doctor said mine was so strong, I pulled the bone off the pelvis.

ST: So, do you even keep up with the NBA anymore?

MD: I haven't been. That's where the sensitivity is at. I know Memphis is doing well and I watched them once (at KeyArena), but I'm focused on business ventures and, of course, working with kids.

ST: Really. What kind of ventures?

MD: Anything. I'm educating myself right now. It's a totally different world than playing basketball. But someday I'm going to do great things.

ST: Then you're coming to terms with the injury?

MD: I believe God — I'm not even going to say God — the universe put everybody on a different path for a reason. I'm starting to understand the reason why I'm not in the basketball game anymore.

ST: And why is that?

MD: I'm continually evolving, and it's a process. Still, I think it's to give time for the kids on a more personal level.

— Jayda Evans