Guest Redhawk Report post Posted February 12, 2003 First off, let me start by saying I hate when people are like, "This guy needs to retire." Unless the guy is physically endandering himself (see Holyfield, Evander), I don't think anyone should retire until they want to. Even when Patrick Ewing was hobbling around in Seattle and Orlando I had no problem with that. If someone was still willing to pay you $2 million to play a couple minutes per night, wouldn't you take it? Forget a legacy: Legacy doesn't buy you anything. However, since everyone is calling for Michael Jordan to retire or saying he shouldn't have come back in the first place, I'm wondering who else would be on that "Needs to Retire" list. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bravesfan Report post Posted February 12, 2003 Shawn Kemp & Ivan Rodriguez. EDIT: "Oh, and Rickey Henderson. But it is reported that Rickey may indeed be retiring. Although Rickey's blazing speed still remains, Rickey needs to see the writing on the wall and end his career." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted February 12, 2003 Jesse Orosco Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted February 12, 2003 I don't think Rickey needs to retire. He's in fantastic shape for his age, and his on base percentage is still around .365. He can contribute, he's not embarrasing himself, and he'll play for the minimum. He's sticking around purely for the love of the game. Baseball needs more players like that. As for I-Rod, he's only 31 this year. He's had injuries, but he's productive when he plays. He has time to turn it around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest treble charged Report post Posted February 12, 2003 Mark Messier Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest starvenger Report post Posted February 12, 2003 I second Messier. Steve Yzerman needs to retire - he's much too banged up to keep playing. In hoops, I'd say Vin Baker, Grant Hill (see Yzerman) and Shawn Kemp. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kahran Ramsus Report post Posted February 12, 2003 Rob Johnson. I know he's pretty young, but he's a walking time bomb. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest converge241 Report post Posted February 12, 2003 Vinny Tesdaverde lol @ Rob Johnson Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted February 12, 2003 I don't think Rickey needs to retire. He's in fantastic shape for his age, and his on base percentage is still around .365. He can contribute, he's not embarrasing himself, and he'll play for the minimum. He's sticking around purely for the love of the game. Baseball needs more players like that. As for I-Rod, he's only 31 this year. He's had injuries, but he's productive when he plays. He has time to turn it around. How do you know Henderson is only playing for the love of the game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 12, 2003 maybe because he takes Chump Change and is willing to play for anyone... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted February 12, 2003 I third Messier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted February 13, 2003 Mark Messier... hell anyone who is over 37+ should retire... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted February 13, 2003 Last year's NL MVP and Cy Young winner are both 37+. Should they retire too? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted February 13, 2003 Yes... its called degrading the talent pool, thats why most sports are dull these days Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted February 13, 2003 How is that degrading the talent pool? The best players play at the highest level, regardless of age. Setting a mandatory age limit only excludes otherwise qualified players. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Zero_Cool Report post Posted February 13, 2003 I'd like to see Flutie retire, as he already made the comeback to the NFL, and it's time for him to move on from football. Carter from Miami should take a bow out now, if he already hasn't. Emmitt Smith maybe needs to retire, as his body isn't handling the punishment like it used to, plus, he's stopping the Cowboys from moving forward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted February 13, 2003 there are exceptions, but c'mon 10 years ago, people that age would have retired, because they know that there is no point to go on. Now a team can offer a player 5 million bucks for not doing as much, but just be an attraction for one or two years, gets their money and then retire. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest DrTom Report post Posted February 13, 2003 Anyone who thinks Barry Bonds and Randy Johnson should retire, or are degrading the talent pool, needs a prompt head examination. When you perform at the highest level, it's impossible to degrade the talent pool, regardless of age. If you think talent is thin in baseball (and I'll go along with that), blame too much expansion and too many "can't-miss" prospects rushed to the majors, but don't blame two guys on the far side of 35 who can still go out there and get it done with the best of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 13, 2003 Barry Bonds, Curt Schilling, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens...They should retire because theu are older then 37? Really...Wow...I can't support such an idiotic statement sense Bonds is THE best player today and may very well make a case for greatest of all time. Schilling is almost the perfect pitcher, Johnson at 38 can throw over 350 K's... Clemens can STILL get 20+ wins at 39 years of Age... Old Age certaintly shouldn't be, but people assume once you reach 37, you MUST retire as if 37 is retirement age like 65. Meanwhile, Whose to say WHO needs to retire? Is their a criteria? Since No one has done it... NASCAR ---------- Who Needs to retire... Terry Lobonte -Most Forgotten multiple champion of all time. Well past his prime and is losing his draw. Kyle Petty ----------------- -His driving skills have died but he has such a potential booming future in Ownership and Broadcasting...I know he wants to respect and Honor his son's legancy by keeping the 45 car out on that track, but he would be better served to hand the ride over to an young upcoming superstar. Jimmy Spencer ------------------- -Considered NASCAR's biggest embarassment by it's community. Hurts the image of the drivers and often thrives for constrovery but can only resort to starting cheap rumors. Belongs in the Dirt Track leauges. Dale Jarrett --------------- This will be an unpopular statement to the Nascar fans...But he has nothing else to work for. He has his Championship, 3 daytona 500's and Millions. All he can do now is be an wonderful ambassador to the sport like Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip now. He can easily slide right into the Broadcast room and be a great announcer as it runs in the family. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest the pinjockey Report post Posted February 13, 2003 Is it just me or does Dale Jarrett just never seem to care? Any time he is interviewed it is among the aww shucks or oh well variety. And there are about 15 Winston Cup drivers who could stand to retire. They could really use a talent purge and make room for some more Busch guys like Wimmer, Riggs, and Hamilton Jr. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 13, 2003 He has gotten Bored...Look at his Interviews in The Mid 90's to His championship season...He was very talkative and exciting and now he seems more laid back...Just rather be an ambassador to the young drivers then be a Nascar Draw... A talent Purge? I really don't know who else to absolve, since the only "bad" drivers are already fading away...I thought of Ken Schrader but he is a EXTREAMLY popular driver with the fans and the community...and besides...He's been good to my father...So HOW can I tell him to retire...Besides anyone with the balls to put Carrot Top on his car...is A-Ok with me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest the pinjockey Report post Posted February 13, 2003 Ken Schrader saved his place to me with his showing in the Bud Shootout in that awful Shawna Robinson car from last year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 13, 2003 Yeah...I kind of feel sorry for Shawna but LOOK Schrader can race that car to a top 5 in the Shootout AND bring in an big name sponser... Here's an Name...Mike Skinner...Unfulfilled Hype. Needs to leave NASCAR and be a player in the Trucks... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Redhawk Report post Posted February 13, 2003 I don't see why Emmitt Smith should retire. He still got off a few times this year, getting 109 yards against Seattle and 144 against Washington. But what I really hate is how Jerry Jones said he'd bring Emmitt back if he would be the backup. Why do football teams feel the need to name their starters in January? How about you wait until training camp, then HAVE A COMPETITION for the job? I bet if they left it open, Emmitt would beat our Troy Hambrick anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted February 14, 2003 c'mon...Emmitt Smith needs the ball about 35 times just to get to 100 yards a game...thats sad. And its not an idiotic statement. Most of the older players in any league, rarely do good...well except for good "leadership" skills if they call that. And besides money is the key issue here. I bet most people would like to go out on a high note, instead drag their careers for a few more years because you get more money. Sure Roger Clemmens is a great pitcher, but should have retired two years ago when he was on top. Johnson, and Shilling the same thing. I also like to contract my statement that age doesn't degrade the talent pool, but it kills the sport period. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kahran Ramsus Report post Posted February 14, 2003 David Cone Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 14, 2003 I also like to contract my statement that age doesn't degrade the talent pool, but it kills the sport period. How does it kill the sport? If they can still play the game and they still draw...What damage are they doing? Don't give me that...They are holding down the future superstars shit... If they can still play...Let them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest tank_abbott Report post Posted February 14, 2003 Here's a "player" no one has mentioned: Ken Shamrock, from shootfighting. His name draws a crowd, but even in his prime he was "injury prone" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 14, 2003 I have no clue about his Status...But couldn't he always go the Undercard route... Go against Nobodies...on the Undercard of Mega-Events? It worked for Ali and Foreman... I'm sure He'll step down eventully and become a Trainer of the superstars of the future... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest DrTom Report post Posted February 14, 2003 And besides money is the key issue here. I bet most people would like to go out on a high note, instead drag their careers for a few more years because you get more money. Actually, I think gobs of money might be a disincentive to saying around too long, especially with the contracts being given out in recent years. At some point, you have more money than you'll be able to spend, and there's just no point in sticking around for more. One thing I've noticed, particularly in baseball, is that a lot of older guys are starting to get incentive-laden contracts, or even minor-league deals in some cases. It's not the goldmine for them that it was even three years ago. Sure Roger Clemmens is a great pitcher, but should have retired two years ago when he was on top. Johnson, and Shilling the same thing. The thing is, if someone is still pitching effectively, why not keep going? Randy Johnson has been the best pitcher in baseball each of the last five years. Look at his numbers. It's STUPID how dominant he is, even at a time when most pitchers have hung it up. He still throws damn hard, he still wins a ton of games, and he still has a microscopic ERA. When his skills are declining, then you can say he should hang it up. I'll give you Clemens; he's only pitching to get 300 wins, anyway. Schilling's still at the top of his game, too, so why bow out now? They can still help their teams. It's not like either of these guys is Steve Carlton. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
