by Jason Thomas
Rapid ReaXtion: Stewart's Torn ACL
Thursday, January 17, 2013 | 5:00 PM
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James Stewart revealed today that he has a torn ACL in his knee. Whether he tore it in practice at A1, as claimed, or pre-season, isn’t known, and also isn’t that important at this point. Bottom line is he has the injury but is planning on finishing the series and that’s great news for everyone involved. The important issue now is how will his knee react to 15 more weeks of supercross.
Having gone through this exact same scenario in 2004 and again in 2011, I have a good idea of what he will face. The interesting thing was that each knee responded completely differently. In 2004, I was able to ride somewhat at the two week mark. While still incredibly sore and weak, I raced at the three week point and it wasn’t until week four that I felt close to race pace again. It steadily improved and I honestly felt I was riding back at 100 percent within 5-6 weeks of the injury. That knee is still holding strong after nine years. However, 2011 was a complete mess. My knee didn’t improve much over the first month and even after two months I was still limping and only riding at 80 percent if I had to guess. I ended up getting it repaired just after Vegas of that year.
Knee injuries are fickle and no two are the same. For the fans’ sake, I hope his knee goes all 2004 on us and he will be back to the Bubba of old. You’d hate to see injuries start claiming contenders this quickly. As we move forward, I will be watching very closely to watch his improvement or lack thereof. If in fact it doesn’t get better, I would be shocked if he is willing to stay in 8th place much longer. Riding in pain, poor results and pure frustration will mount and you may see him bow out. I, for one, am hoping to see him fight through it.
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@ SuperSXFanMan
Sloan_ wrote: about 17 hours ago
Ok I admit after this weekend he will quit..
@Sloan - you just keep being wronger and wronger. lol I have no idea why you keep posting this junk, but dude - you were wrong. He didn't quit. What he does from here on doesn't change the past. You have already been called out. Fact is, he's a lot tougher than you think. And he's still riding. There 'ya go.
too many keyboard heros out there...some will call for him to bow out so they can call him a quitter...guy is tougher than most...if you don't think so just do a little youtube search(RC vs. JS ought to do it) and tell me there isn't heart behind it...
'ain't no one in 'Merica got clout enough to criticize...'
#hatehaters
GO TC41!!!
Too bad, hope he can go a 100% soon. I'm sure it wont help his confidence if he has to worry about putting that leg out everytime if Barcia is coming up on him!
Talk to me next week and your tail will be between your legs like PIT BULL on this site !!
@ SuperSXFanMan
wronger and wronger sounds like you been hanging aroud RC & PITBULL to much !! LOL !
Nice write up JT$, I do hope that his knee isn't done. Even at 80% the things James does on a bike can only be described as impressive. My hope is this will teach him to slow down to go faster.
Thanks- now we know it isnt just a tweak. Thanks for reporting, and hang in there JS.
http://instagram.com/p/UmX2LIlt8W/
Should have a plate that reads
JS7 DNF
@Sloan. Let me help you understand this: I was right. You were wrong. Next week doesn't have anything to do with it. Your tail has already been kicked. You predicted that James would quit BEFORE last week's race. I called you on that, and you can't admit that you were wrong. If I keep saying it's going to rain, every day - sooner or later I will be right. But that doesn't mean I was right all along. You are playing that game but it's not gonna work. You were wrong. Own it.
http://ktla.com/2013/01/17/supercross-superstars-james-malcolm-stewart/#axzz2IH5cfzNr
@Sloan - I like the "wronger and wronger" comment. Just thinking about that makes me laugh. Wronger and Wronger.....good friggen grief.
At least he has a reason (the excuse buss is backing up) for not making the top three this sx season. So much for beating Jeremy's all time sx win record. Good news is that the show will go on and the earth will keep turning, just in case some nut huggers out there were afraid of an end coming.
phuc all the haters james we good!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI0gk2KJeho
Everybody that loves good racing and especially not a single rider running away on a win streak will be very happy that JS7 now says he will race 100%.
I'm not a JS7 guy, but anybody that can step on top spot on the podium is welcome in my book
Ok I admit it !! I was wrong !! I cant spell either !! LOL !!
Good job JT! you got the scoop. you are the oprah of moto.time to hang it up Matthes!
I have experienced exactly what JT did 3 times. All I can say is this.. Stewart better pray that a mud race doesn't happen.
Each of my 3 Acls were different as well and I was able to ride thru only 1 of them.. HOWEVER.. I remember having a bum knee at Millville and it was muddy. Your boot sucks to the ground if its tacky, and it yanks your leg funny directions.. You boot is very heavy, mud caked everywhere And it's hard to race or concentrate. Doc Bodner told me not to even risk it. That dude knows his stuff
As long as Stewart can keep that foot up, he can win this title.
I hope James' ACL heals up quick so that he can complete for a win. He always makes watching a race more exciting to watch. A fast JS7 vs. RV1 vs. JB51 = GREAT Racing!
Not a JS7 fan but bummed.
Bummer.
SLOAN, are you catching crap AGAIN?
James,
Go see Dr. Alexander, Murrieta.
Thrilled that he will be racing but bummed to hear the prognosis. Let's not get crazy with the winning stuff though. I think he'll be ecstatic if he can podium. Guess we'll see. One thing though, why does it take a professional athlete over two weeks to decide to have an MRI done? I though there was serious damage when it first happened and we saw how he rode. Pretty obvious it was damaged. From reading the article, it sounds like there is a chance he is a factor or maybe he just can't go after a few weeks. Hopefully, he is a factor.
Glad JT is writing now. He is more friendly. i tried to say good luck to him at Daytona last year and the little Sh*t scared me and i'm 6'1" 250lbs. That dude is intense!!!
Also. why do riders like Reed and Stewart and Dungey wear the ugliest sunglasses? Are they trying to look like Dorks?
Bubba heal up soon man.
@NitrousMark: That's the style thats in. Don't like dont buy it
offroadnomore: what do you mean when "Barcia is coming up on him"
The Only thing he going to see of Barcia is his rear Fender!!!!
Unfortunately, this is the same old story with JS7. It seems like there is always a reason he can't finish a series. It has to be frustrating for everyone involved, including us fans. We will be lucky if he makes it thru the SX series, I guess the nationals are already lost.
Poor Bubbles... Now that it is HIS money on the line with Seven Gear, he HAS to finish the season. He can't just stiff all his sponsors, even when they BEG him to continue, and walk off in a huff because he has a boo-boo or like when his blue bike wasn't shiny enough for his liking.
@Sloan & Friends: The reason I get to say things like "wronger and wronger" is because I know the King's English. That affords me some flexibility that not everyone gets. Like you, for instance. If you don't recognize an intentional misuse of the language, the joke's on you. As it usually is, I'm certain. As to being wrong about JS7 - you still are. lol Nothing will change that. Not even spelling or "punkiation".
Dude you are a fool !! Just like me, "Maybe just maybe, I do this for a reation too!
LOL ! I'm a fan of all sports and when the main players are not in the game the game looses just that slight edge that it need to stay sharpe. So get well soon to JS 7 the sport needs it !!!
I feel sorry for these guys when they get in their 60's+. Their joints will be non-existent by then. At least they get to watch fireworks every week.
Blah blah blah.. in other words Stewart knows he can't keep up with the top three guys anymore or just doesn't want to risk it at this point in his life. The knee is just to shut all the critics up when people are saying how come Stewarts not keeping up the the top guys and then oh because his knee.. but remember this line.... towards the end of the season when the points start tightening up the riders start to ride a little more cautious and a little more reserved to protect they're points then.. then you will see Stewart win some main events just to make it look like he's fast again.. prob around seattle he will pull his little trick.. I got ya James you may fool everyone else but you don't me.. you just don't want it in your heart any more happens to the best of them. But all aside you've done great for yourself you've done everything we wish we all could do. You bring a funny and different vibe to the sport which is good because it seems like the riders are pretty bland and boring to talk to. This is a sport of true dedication.. and to make it to the top is almost out of reach but the ones who do are looked upon as gods. True rembrants to watch race. So all in all I think just for James to be out there racing is good enough for me. At least we get to see him ride, and on the last note this is by far the most exciting season of supercross of all time. There has never been a single season of the 450 class packed with so many champions. This is the true year of the gladiator.
I raced local pro level for 20 years with no ACL in my left knee without to much issue. Granted it was no where near JS's level, just sayin it is possible without much issue. The only real problem is if he has the same type of move that hurt it again it could really jack him up. But the knee braces these days are pretty amazing. If your leg is stong you can get by without it.............for awhile
I was hoping to see the old James Stewart come back this season, but then this happened. I admire his will to compete, but I don't think racing with the injury is the best choice. I just don't get what it will accomplish. Beating Villopoto, Dungey, Reed, Barcia, Canard and Millsaps would be difficult anyways, but with a torn ACL, I just don't see it happening. It's possible that everyone will suffer some kind of injury this year, just like last year, but not likely.
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Moto-x people, these words from President Theodore Roosevelt spoken well over 100 years ago (1910) still apply today, and before we're all too critical of our current racing heroes, let's remember, everyone currently racing Supercross is worthy of these famous words!
As posted earlier He should of came "OUT OF THE CLOSET" when he did the KLTV show this morning..Or better yet when he knew istead of wasting all this time..You professionals !
@Squarejaw, well stated and appropriate. The insults and shots directed at any rider in this sport get old and simply do no belong at a website devoted to promoting the sport.
bam,bam gonna sweep the knee
He could have 2 torn acl's and still rip!!!! GO GET 'EM!!! Rooting for JS7.......There's a reason he's made millions...Know what I mean?????
when its all over Reed will have more SX wins than stewart..........
MX40 ---This is the old james of the last 5 years..........competition caught up, he and reed didnt' evolve.
Hmmmm.... Lots of people get really " butt heart" when someone talks about Booba... Lol
That being said, wish him recovery, so he could go all out. Makes racing more exciting
@Not4show.......not so sure about Reed ending up with more wins by the end of the season. Say JS doesn't win a race,I think CR would have to win 4 to pass him, and I honestly don't see that happening!!
@Not4show - Eh, James and Chad still seem plenty fast to me. James had the fastest practice times at both races so far. Reed was killing it outdoors in 2011 against Dungey and Villopoto which is something he never managed to do against Carmichael or Stewart. I think they've just either made bad decisions and/or had some bad luck the past few years. I'm not sure how they haven't "evolved", the lap times are there, so what are they not doing that the other top guys are?
I have had 3 ACL reconstructions and on the last one the Doctor said I could ride before the opp. One fast lap through the whoops it felt like my leg had fell off ! So much pain. Like Jason says every injury is different. I must have really weak knees. But I have to admire James for riding through it. Takes lots of guts in my book.
Hey JT, why no report on Dortmund? Just because you sucked shouldn't have put you off. LOL. Just kidding.
Loved your, HALLOOOOOOOO DORTMUND. Great voice BTW.
Really sorry to see you hanging up your helmet JT. You have a lot of fans in Germany and you will be missed. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. You said you want to commentate, so there should be a place for you when RC gets shown the door, which will be any day now, I hope. LOL.
As for Stewart's knee, get better quick James. We want to see you in Germany next year. Think about it.
Yeah that sucks. I'm not Huge Stewert fan, But I do reconise he could smoke me on a 80, on my best day. He looks good on the Zook too. That news sux.
So one can assume that these CTi type knee braces do not work?
If you thought Mike Webb had a grimace on his face at the A1 Speed TV interview, you should see it now.
I'm glad to see JT's speculation of Stewart's injury. It gives more weight coming from a man who's been in the trenches.
At this point having seen the history, as a prospective employer, what would YOU do for this guy?
Suzuki needs their monies worth, one way or the other. His next contract (assuming there is such a thing) will not be money up front, STAMP IT. From now on, #7 will only be offered performance-based contracts like Team Honda is so (in)famous for.
If you think I'm being too rough on the guy, consider this: I'm only holding him to the standard he (or "his people") has allowed the media to create for him.
Team Yoshimura / Suzuki might want to reconsider helping out Milsaps right about now.............just sayin'.
OMG!?!?
I can't believe you (most of you) guys are actually falling for this crap... AGAIN!!!
REALLY!?
There is nothing wrong with JS, other than his own head! He's not "hurt". Come on now, think about it...
It's that damn yellow bike - so ill handling - everyone knows that.
He can't WIN on that ill handling yellow bike. The Zplooke is clearly only built for tall guys (think Millsaps - remember last year - Millsaps the only guy always there, riding consistently, ultimately to 2nd place in the Championship)...
I mean, come on, just look at Alessi for God sake!
Am I really the only one noticing that JS7 IMMEDIATELY started lawn darting that yellow bike EVEN MORE than the past two (blue, & green before that) bikes that he crashed regularly... er, I mean tried to race?! And let's be honest with each other for a moment, THAT is a hard task to accomplish... for anyone.
To blame ANY of his continued piss-poor-performance on an "injury"... Well, that's just shameless! I mean, CLEARLY this is an ill-handling bike problem: YEA, IT MUST BE THE BIKE!!!
This forum turns into idiotville everytime they talk about Bubba. He's a stud and only dumb-sses talk crap about him. The other riders are lucky he's hurt.
The other riders really ARE lucky... because he is ALWAYS "hurt".
...or it's more likely that it is just once again that his bike is just really, REALLY ill handling and incapable of taking the SELF-proclaimed FMOTP to the top step of the podium!
Oh, yea, we've heard it so many times before, "...all the things that he can do on a bike that no other man can do", blah, blah, blah, blah!
How about just finish more than three races in a row?! That would be an amazing start.
Heck, I'll just be happy if he STOPS talking, and starts riding, regadless of where (if) he finishes. SHUT UP, SUCK IT UP, & RIDE!
Take a look at the photo of Bubba. Gary Bailey called and said "see, he's not got his finger on the clutch"
The RMZ pulled down C'ships for RC, Reed & Dungey..........just sayin'.
Hope all goes well, id like to see you back on top were you belong, you have a lot of years left, look at windham, cant speak for all but i enjoy watching you ride, any body that says you dont have heart is talking out there ass, in the daytona crash you could of coasted the rest of the race and won RC couldnt even believe you jumping that section you do the unreal and thats why most like to watch. Dont do what RG3 did to his knee to prove something to fans that dont have any idea whats it like to race injured or healthy there opinion means nothing. Good Luck with the remainder of the series if anybody can pull it off it would be you.