Aaron Gordon explains how he got bitten by his Rottweiler / News - Basketnews.com

Aaron Gordon reflects on a dog bite: "I was [messing] around with my dog, and when you [mess] around, you find out. ... It's such a fluke, silly injury. ... He's a good boy. He's a good dog." He prepares to return on Monday vs. Hornets.

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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon returned to team practice on Sunday after missing two games due to injuries from a dog bite on Christmas.

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Gordon expressed confidence toBennett Durando of The Denver Postin his readiness to play on Monday when the Nuggets host the Charlotte Hornets.

The culprit behind the bite was Gordon's Rottweiler, a companion he adopted about four years ago when the dog was just six weeks old. The NBA's demanding travel schedule limits his time with the pet during the season, prompting family members to care for the dog.

"I love dogs. I grew up with dogs my whole life," Gordon told The Denver Post. "But because we're on the road so much, my dad's taking care of him, so I can't really train him how I need him to be. … But I feel good. Everything is fine."

Despite sustaining 21 stitches, primarily on his right shooting hand, Gordon appeared in good spirits during his return to practice. He downplayed the significance of the stitches.

"I've played with stitches in my hand before, so that's not new to me," he said. "I don't really care about the stitches on my face. We're not running a pageant here."

Gordon went to the hospital that night to get his injuries stitched up.

Recounting the incident, the 28-year-old revealed that it was an unfortunate accident, largely attributing it to his actions.

"I guess it's a little bit embarrassing, but not too embarrassing to where I can't talk about it," he pointed out. "I don't drink a lot during the season. I probably had a little bit too much eggnog. I was kind of roughhousing with my dog, and I think my dog got a little excited and just basically chomped down. Gave me a bite. And I was basically wrestling him off of me, and then he bit my hand.

"For lack of better words, I was [messing] around with my dog, and when you [mess] around, you find out," he added.

"It's such a fluke, silly injury," Gordon went on to say. "I had to miss a couple of games, a couple of days, and be away from my team, and that sucks. Being in the hospital and getting stitches is never fun. But it's just like, I felt bad because I was taking away the doctors' time when they could've been dealing with something more serious. Just feel a little silly, but it's alright."

Gordon defended his dog, describing him as a "good boy" and emphasizing their reconciliation after the incident.

"He's a good boy. He's a good dog," Gordon said. "Very attached. Very sweet. Very strong. Great dog."

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