Let's all have a beer and some fried chicken in Yao's honor!

[Mr. E]

"I haven't died," he said. "Right now I'm drinking a beer and eating fried chicken. What were you expecting, a funeral?"

That's Yao's opening comment to ESPN's Ric Bucher when asked about his latest injury.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5926989

It's no secret here amongst the Rockets Faithful that ol' Mr. E is a big-time Yao fan, so I took todays news particularly hard. I hope to God that we may see Yao on the court again one day for the Rockets, but I have been prepared for this day for some time.

Yao might be my favorite Rocket of all time after Hakeem Olajuwon. I love what he did on the court, and off the court. I am hopeful that Yao will be part of our organization for many, many years to come in one form or another.

Yao has been a great boon to this city and this franchise. He's one of the classic "Good Guys." As a fan of the Rockets, I realize that I have to think about "what is next." In all honesty, I've been thinking that for a while now, like most of you.

But I'm putting "Rockets Fan" aside for this moment in time. Right now - at this moment - I am going to drink a beer and eat some fried chicken, because Yao is right. This is not a funeral.

Thank you, Yao.

[rocketsballin]

if he retires he should stay with the team somehow. in practice, marketing, commercials. i'd LOVE to hear him commentating. most of you would want him to replace clyde but bill's retiring so he'd take his spot.

i dont mind signing him to a 1-2 year minimum and see if he can come back as a role player, or even 3rd stringer. plenty of cap space and even then there's no way we stay under the cap if we wanna contend so he wont cost that much at all.

[HeyJoe]

to yao

[GrapeApe]

Maybe he should be drinking milk instead of beer, get those bones stronger.

[pr0wler]

if he retires he should stay with the team somehow. in practice, marketing, commercials. i'd LOVE to hear him commentating. most of you would want him to replace clyde but bill's retiring so he'd take his spot.

Bill is a play-by-play guy who has a lot of broadcasting training and experience. You don't just plug in an ex-NBA guy to fill in his shoes.

That being said, it'd be cool to have him on air every now and then to give some commentary for the team. Don't see why he can't do that a little bit this year since he won't be playing this season.

[rocketsballin]

bill is gonna retire this season from what i hear. of corse yao wont take his place but it'd be entertaining as hell.

[aznkillabeezZz]

Hell yeah, lets get fat and happy. Fried Chicken, Beer and Dim Sum to honor Yao

[Guy986]

I'm really craving some fried chicken right now. hmmmmm