This brings us to Michael Jordan. Again, Michael had the storybook thing going. (I of course refer to the last time he "retired"). The last shot he made was in the final winning game of an NBA championship. He is regarded as the best player ever to play the game. Michael ended his career the way all athletes dream of ending theirs, so now why does he want to come back? I understand for him it's partly a business decision, but there are other ways to resurrect the flailing Washington Wizards. I feel his coming back (at most likely diminished capabilities) would certainly damage his reputation and his mystique.
If and when Michael does come back, Charles Barkley and Dennis Rodman are rumored to join him on the Wizards. Now Charles is an old hand at the retired-unretired song and dance so maybe he can give Michael some pointers, while Rodman can give Michael those sorely missed pointers on piercings and multi-colored hair.
This brings to mind Reggie White (not the piercings or hair) who with much hoopla, retired from the NFL while a Green Bay Packer. Again, a great athlete leaving the game with his reputation and most of his skills intact. Well, two years later there's Reggie in a Carolina Panther uniform taking a few snaps per game.
To switch to another sport, boxers are well known for doing the retired/ unretired hokey-pokey. Mario Lemieux doesn't seem to have a lick of rust on his jersey and has his team in the playoffs, but he is guilty of the unretire shuffle as well.
Now I would never begrudge any athlete for longing to come back and play their game. Believe me, I know the feelings a pro athlete has immediately after leaving his game. But maybe they can at least give back the framed and retired jerseys their respective teams gave them? Maybe as they prepare for their comeback, the reinvigorated players can also return the many other gifts they received on their retirement tours.
Instead of a snap decision after having a bad year or losing a championship game, players should evaluate their skills and desire to play before making any announcement on their future. Just say, "I may take a year off and then I'll re-evaluate my situation," and leave it at that…it would save everybody a lot of trouble. The key to a successful (and permanent retirement) is to be mentally prepared for the end, as John Elway was. Chris Carter seems to be following his lead by announcing that this upcoming season will be his last. Happy retirement Chris, and I'm sure the Buccaneers will have a jersey ready for your 2003 comeback season just in case.
May 9, 2001
edmarinaro@sportshollywood.com
