Another ‘Injury’ Sidelines Collins

In a medical diagnosis that seems lifted from a script of the “X-Files,” Clipper guard James Collins was put on the injured list Friday because of a strained lower back.

What’s so amazing about that?

Collins was across the country when his injury was “discovered,” having gone to Florida on Thursday because of the death of an aunt in Jacksonville.

Collins was conveniently hurt just in time to make room for forward Lorenzen Wright, who returned after five games on the injured list because of a sprained left ankle.

What is equally ironic about Collins’ injury is that it is the same one he suffered last month when the Clippers found themselves one player over the 12-man limit after making a trade with the Miami Heat.

The Clippers, of course, are merely playing by the rules. But it would be much simpler, and a lot more honest, if NBA rules could be changed to eliminate the charade of finding a reason to put players on the injured list.