04-20-2002, 07:13 AM
How many times have we seen it in sports, tv, music, film and most mediums of celebrity. When people hang on to some past glory which they can never again regain or achieve. These old men and women who tarnish a lifetime of work because they can not just stop and bask in the glory of their lifes work and leave at their primes.
In sports the most recent example is a sad case called Michael Jordan. This is a man who had probably the greatest exit from any sports career ever. Making the final shot at the closing seconds in dramatic fashion to win his 6th NBA championship and his 2nd three-peat. One of the most prolific scorers (yes he was a fuckin chucker) but how many big scorers are not? He was a royal egomaniac but beyond that we all loved watching him play. Now at almost 40 he decides to come back to play after 4 years of retirement. He misses a chunk of the season due to knee surgery. He scores 2 points against the lakers and he doesn't make it to the NBA finals for the first time in over a decade, let alone even an 8th seed in the play offs. He proved no matter what, one man can not make a team. Plus his shot is not what it was, his legs are shot and no one. Not even a legend can surpass father time.
The worst examples are boxers. Only because it's more vivid because it's a one on one sport. Atleast in baseball or basket ball you have team mates who can hold you up. In boxing you are alone and plus the very nature of the sport of boxing is to inflict pain and to knock your opponent unconcious. The worst case is Muhamed Ali. To watch someone who was once so great who could dance in the ring and dazzle you with his mind, fists and feet. Getting pummeled by Larry Holmes for 10 agonizing rounds and his pride not letting him fall or quit. Or more recently someone like Evander Holyfield who also approaching 40 thinks after all the wars he has enduring the ring that he can still be the Champ one day. Atleast Ali left after his beating at the hands of Holmes who was a dominant champ. Holyfield lost to John "I got KO'ed by Tua in 19 seconds" Ruiz.
Who have you seen in the past or present who just needs to hang it up? Music, Movies, TV, or sports or any other medium.
In sports the most recent example is a sad case called Michael Jordan. This is a man who had probably the greatest exit from any sports career ever. Making the final shot at the closing seconds in dramatic fashion to win his 6th NBA championship and his 2nd three-peat. One of the most prolific scorers (yes he was a fuckin chucker) but how many big scorers are not? He was a royal egomaniac but beyond that we all loved watching him play. Now at almost 40 he decides to come back to play after 4 years of retirement. He misses a chunk of the season due to knee surgery. He scores 2 points against the lakers and he doesn't make it to the NBA finals for the first time in over a decade, let alone even an 8th seed in the play offs. He proved no matter what, one man can not make a team. Plus his shot is not what it was, his legs are shot and no one. Not even a legend can surpass father time.
The worst examples are boxers. Only because it's more vivid because it's a one on one sport. Atleast in baseball or basket ball you have team mates who can hold you up. In boxing you are alone and plus the very nature of the sport of boxing is to inflict pain and to knock your opponent unconcious. The worst case is Muhamed Ali. To watch someone who was once so great who could dance in the ring and dazzle you with his mind, fists and feet. Getting pummeled by Larry Holmes for 10 agonizing rounds and his pride not letting him fall or quit. Or more recently someone like Evander Holyfield who also approaching 40 thinks after all the wars he has enduring the ring that he can still be the Champ one day. Atleast Ali left after his beating at the hands of Holmes who was a dominant champ. Holyfield lost to John "I got KO'ed by Tua in 19 seconds" Ruiz.
Who have you seen in the past or present who just needs to hang it up? Music, Movies, TV, or sports or any other medium.