By Ponciano “John” Melo Jr.
LOS ANGELES — Shaun Livingston has called it quits as a professional NBA player.
The former Golden State Warrior, announced his retirement on social media Friday, ending a 15-year career that saw both highs and lows.
"After 15 years in the NBA, I'm excited, sad, fortunate and grateful all in one breath. Hard to put into a caption all of the emotions it takes to try and accomplish your dreams. I wasn't supposed to be here,” he said in his official Instagram account.
“Anybody that has beat the odds understands the mental and emotional strain it takes to inspire yourself on an uphill war, let alone inspire others,” he added.
The lanky but dependable guard said that his infamous “injury” gave him a chance to find and prove to himself and the world that he wouldn’t be defined by my circumstances.
“With my time in the League what I will be most proud of is the fact that my character, values and faith were tested, and I persevered,” he continued.
On the other hand, Warriors GM Bob Myers said in a statement that Livingston’s story is one of the most inspirational in the history of professional sports.
“What he accomplished after suffering so many trials and tribulations early in his career is a true testament to who he is as a person, which has always been characterized by tremendous class, grace and professionalism,” he said.
The Warriors exec also said that Livingston “represents everything that you’d want in a professional athlete and, most importantly, in a human being.”
“We appreciate what he did for our team and organization over the last five years, becoming a three-time NBA champion and a key figure on one of the best teams in NBA history. We wish him well as he begins the next phase in his life,” Myers added.