Houston’s Cooper retires, again

Cooper, who is a four-time WNBA Finals MVP and three-time scoring champion, separated her surgically repaired right shoulder and re-injured the rotator cuff tendon during a recent practice.

"After thoughtful discussion with Dr. Moseley and the medical staff, we are in agreement that it is in my best interest to retire from professional basketball at this time," said Cooper. "Dr. Moseley’s evaluation of my right shoulder after the most recent injury at practice was a separation and an injury to my repaired rotator cuff tendon.

"With my shoulder injury, I don’t want to continue going on and off the injured list because that would hurt the team. This is the best for everyone, my family and the team. It’s the right time to move on with my career off the court."

Cooper, who was also named the league’s MVP on two occasions, came out of a two-year retirement on April 29, 2003 after she compiled a 19-23 record in 1 1/2 seasons as the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury.

However, she injured her shoulder during a June 2 practice and was placed on the injured list a few days later.

For her career, the 41-year-old Cooper has averaged 21.0 points, 4.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds per contest while also guiding Houston to the first four WNBA championships in the league’s history.