If you're in or around the Indianapolis area, you know full well that Colts training camp has taken a back seat in the past 48 hours to the news about Indiana Pacers star Paul George. In a Team USA scrimmage, George suffered a horrendous leg injury, and he underwent surgery for the injury. Still, it'll be a long road back for the star player.
The 24-year old had a career year in the 2013-14 season, posting 21.7 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, and 3.5 assists per game while leading the Pacers to the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. It was a season with a lot of highs and lows, but what was clear was that George had emerged as a true star in the NBA and was the face of the Pacers franchise.
The face of Indiana's other premier sports franchise, quarterback Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts, pledged his support for George on Saturday when addressing the media:
"I never got to meet Paul personally but I've always been a big fan. Your heart goes out to him too, what a terrible thing. But I think we all know he'll come back stronger than ever with his work ethic and his dedication. You can see it on the court. I'm sure he'll approach it the same way and he'll be healthy and get back soon."
Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, who knows a thing or two about adversity, was even more emphatic in declaring his support for George:
"On behalf of the entire organization, our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul. Injuries happen, this is a devastating injury to a great, great young talent. We all want to let Paul know that he's in our thoughts and prayers. We've got his back. We're all family in this city. We support one another. We all love Paul. The thing that Paul has to understand is that right now it's a tough pill to swallow as we know, but we're all going to be faced with adversity. We're all going to be faced with circumstances and our message to him is take it one day at a time and keep chopping wood. Pick that axe up and keep chopping wood. If you keep doing that, that tree will eventually fall and he'll get healthy and he'll be back better than ever. Again, he's in our thoughts and prayers."
In addition to Luck and Pagano, the Colts owner Jim Irsay has made known that him and his franchise are supporting George:
Colts thoughts and prayers go out to @Paul_George24. #PrayForPaulGeorge
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) August 2, 2014
Many other Colts also took to twitter to support George:
Just saw the play with @Paul_George24... You're the man brother, I already can't wait for your return.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 2, 2014
Injuries, the worst damn thing about sports! Prayers up @Paul_George24
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) August 2, 2014
Praying for ya PG
— Vick Ballard (@VickBallard) August 2, 2014
Prayers go out to PG. I hope you alright bra.
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) August 2, 2014
Prayers up to Paul George
— Dewey McDonald (@DeweyDMac) August 2, 2014
My prayers goes out to @Paul_George24
— Ricky Jean Francois (@Freakyjean99) August 2, 2014
Prayers going up for @Paul_George24
— Jerrell Freeman (@JerrellFreeman) August 2, 2014
Prayers out to @Paul_George24. Hate to see a great athlete like that go down. Speedy recovery
— Ryan Lankford (@Playmaka3x4) August 2, 2014
Prayers go out to my bro @Paul_George24 ... May got place his healing hand on u.. Wish u a speedy recovery bro
— Laron Landry (@MrLandry30) August 2, 2014
dang. my favorite player. And my friend. Smh stay up my brotha @Paul_George24 #PacerGang
— Weslye Saunders (@Wes_Saunders88) August 2, 2014
In a very tough time for Paul George, the Indianapolis Colts are pledging their support for their city's fellow athlete and star. It's the big story in Indianapolis right now, and the Colts aren't ignoring it - their thoughts and prayers are with Paul George, and ours are as well.