Fact Check: Did Damian Lillard retire? Viral tweet debunked
The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly shut down Damian Lillard for the rest of the season. The Blazers are out of playoff contention and seem to be heading for another uncertain offseason.
With Lillard's loyalty in the spotlight again, a viral report has claimed that the 32-year-old guard has abruptly retired. ButtCrack Sports on Twitter noted that Lillard is now pursuing a career in music rather than chasing a championship.
However, it should be noted that ButtCrack Sports is a parody and satire account. They're known for posting fake reports to get reactions and laughs. They even call themselves the "least trustable sports news" and legitimate source for crappy information.
BREAKING: Damian Lillard announces that he is retiring from basketball to pursue his passion in music. https://t.co/m5ZVe48dLp
Some of ButtCrack Sports' recent reports include ESPN firing Jalen Rose and the LA Lakers suspending LeBron James for speeding. Damian Lillard has not retired but has been shut down for the rest of the regular season.
In an interview on "The Dan Patrick Show," Lillard confirmed that he will be out for the remainder of the season. However, he explained that it was not his decision but the team's.
"I wouldn't say it's my decision at all," Lillard said. "I think maybe the team protecting me from myself. Every time that I've had some type injury like that kind of get irritated or aggravated or something like that, it's come from just like a heavy load and stress, and just, you know, going out there and trying to go above and beyond. So, you know, I would say just there is something there and also them just trying to protect me from myself as well."
As for Lillard's music career, he goes by the name Dame D.O.L.L.A. He has released four studio albums since 2016, and some players consider him one of the best rappers in the NBA.
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Damian Lillard's 2022-23 season
Damian Lillard started the 2022-23 season by signing a two-year extension that will keep him in Portland until 2027. Lillard proved his loyalty with the Trail Blazers, and both sides were hoping to make the playoffs this season.
Lillard got off to a hot start, becoming the eighth player in NBA history to score 40 or more points twice in his team's first three games of the season. He won the 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend, climbing up to sixth in the league's all-time career 3-point shots made.
The highlight of Lillard's season came on Feb. 26, when he scored a franchise-high 71 points against the Houston Rockets. He became just the eighth player in NBA history to score 70 or more points. It was also his 15th 50-point game, which is sixth-most.
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