From his nightmarish season riding for the Kawasaki MotoGP team in 2008 where he broke his back at Catalunya, broke his leg and ankle in addition to compressing his knee in qualifying at Assen, not to mention suffering a broken hip and rib injuries during the season as well, John Hopkins is the epitome of walking wounded.

This weekend Hopkins gets caught up in the Turn 2 turmoil at Nurburgring, highsides, then gets run over, knocking him out for approximately 15 minutes. Though he initially insisted that he wasn’t hurt, internet reports claim he underwent surgeries this week for torn ligaments in his right shoulder, his right wrist, and his bum hip. He also bruised his brain in the accident at Nurburgring. He’s only competed in seven out of 22 races this World Superbike season due to one malady or another.

First off, let me say I’m a big Hopper fan. When he was consistently grabbing MotoGP podium positions two years ago for Rizla Suzuki and finished fourth in the championship point standings, I knew for sure he’d be a title contender in 2008. But now John Hopkins' promising 2007 MotoGP season with Suzuki is but a faint reminder of the promise the young American rider had. Now he’s got to have enough plates and screws in his body to set off airport metal detectors.
 
Though I admire his competitive spirit and his obvious toughness, there’s got to be a point where you realize enough is enough. I know Hopper got married not too long ago, and his rash of bad luck over the last two years has to get into his head. His wife probably dreads race days. The question remains though, will hubris inspire him to make another run at racing in 2010 or is it time to settle down, have some kids, and quit while he can still walk away? I wish Hopkins the best in making the right decision.