NBA News: Ex-Champion Tells Bikers 'It’s Better To Be Safe Than Cool' After Bike Accident

Ray Allen has long retired from professional basketball, but he has been trying to live a healthy life.

However, the 46-year-old shared how he was out on a bike ride in a neighborhood when a car pulled up slowly behind him.

Paying attention to the vehicle, he tried to get out of the way. But when he looked back, the car was no longer there.

With his attention diverted, Allen looked ahead and ran over a tree branch on the road.

Allen was sent flying from his bike, eventually landing on his face. He managed to get up and walked back to his house but in shock.

From there, his wife took him to the hospital to make sure that Allen did not suffer any internal bleeding.

“My wife immediately took me to the hospital to make sure that I didn’t have any internal bleeding. Had my vitals checked and a few X-rays taken and all was OK," Allen wrote on his Instagram account.

"Thank God for my helmet because as you can see in the picture my head hit the ground and I didn’t even realize it. I wasn’t riding fast at all, but the ground still took its toll. When you’re riding you can’t take your eyes off the road because something bad could happen!”

Allen explained that he put up the social media post to serve as a reminder to everyone of the importance of safety gears when they engage in outdoor activities.

“I didn’t want to post this at first because no one wants to show their missteps in life, but as you get older, you learn that life isn’t always about being cool or perfect. It is ok to be vulnerable! More importantly, I had to post this as a reminder for everyone to please wear your helmets when you ride!” Allen wrote.