Air-Head Jordan

[chrisfostermusi]

I was really disappointed when Michael Jordan decided to come back again. My first reaction was "enough already"!!!

I liken Michael to that of an ALI who has trancended his sport. Only few atheletes have ever accomplised this. Matter of fact only three come to mind. Mike, Ali and Tiger. There might be more.
I feel his time is waisted on the court. Given his stature I felt that he could have employed himself to so many noble causes. His precense could benefit humanity greatly. I think him coming back only cheapens his popularity.

Am I way off base on this or do you agree?

Are there any other athletes you can recall that have trancended their sport?

PS another just came to mind.... Richard Petty.

[gyb13]

The best example, I'd say, is Pelé.

[Yogi#8Fan]

Wayne Gretzky but not as much. Magic Johnson also seemed to transcend hoops.

As to Jordan coming back, he probably caught some of the "can't rock on my chair" from Magic. When Johnson came back, he had to face tougher opponents who were more muscular. In Jordan, I think he had some trouble expressing to the staff what he'd done before so he decided to get back on the court to lead by example. A noble thing but his own career may have taken a blow. At least he was smart enough to say "we stunk" when they'd lost badly. Too bad the Knicks couldn't think of this. :p

[BuzzBuzzard]

Originally posted by Yogi#8Fan
Wayne Gretzky but not as much. That is perception only because hockey ain't that big in the states. To hockey entusiasts, hockey and Gretzke are one in the same. He is the embassador of hockey.

[pathogan]

Pele`,so much that we in the states cannot comprehend...Gretz is a god in canada,and not because of sneakers nor endorsements...

[gyb13]

Pelé was a worldwide legend even before he reached age 20 and still is, more than 20 yrs after having played his last official match. Over the past years, he's been Secretary of Sports in Brasil, as well as a big figure in FIFA for promoting the sport.

He also had a comeback of sorts, which was somewhat scrutinized, when he played briefly in the US, for the New York Cosmos in the late 70s.

Yes, sub-superstar performance for athletes past their peak isn't great for the 'image' of the player's career as a whole, but don't you think there are many kids out there who are happy that they can now say they actually saw Pelé, or Jordan, play? For that, I'd say it's worth it.

[Yogi#8Fan]

Originally posted by BuzzBuzzard
That is perception only because hockey ain't that big in the states. To hockey entusiasts, hockey and Gretzke are one in the same. He is the embassador of hockey. Nothing against Gretzky, I adore him in fact. He'd played for the Oilers, Kings and then Rangers I think. I haven't checked so unsure of the teams.

I remember him when he'd joined the Rangers. Like he'd done recently w/Lindros, Messier donned a suit and the new guy wore a Rangers jacket to show the fans he was one of them. I even remember his #99 being retired across the NHL. He'd outscored even Bobby Orr (Bobby Hull?) so he wasn't called The Great One for nothing.

As to transcending sports, unfortunately, he might be more better known in Canada. Everyone knows Michael Jordan's face, but I was a little embarrassed once when Gretzky did a print ad and they actually needed his name on it. People like Gretzky I didn't expect needed this but I guess it's a matter of name & face recognition. Some are simply more familiar among the average Joe & Jane so that's why. <sigh> I don't follow hockey much but do remember when Phil Esposito retired, even trying his best to score a goal in his final game.

As to Pele, I remembered him from his head-butting glory some 25 years ago. In fact, when the NY Cosmos soccer team wanted to gain a foothold among the better known sports, I think he was the one who was hired out of retirement as their leader. Not bad for a guy who has only one name. ;)

[gyb13]

Originally posted by Yogi#8Fan
As to Pele, I remembered him from his head-butting glory some 25 years ago. In fact, when the NY Cosmos soccer team wanted to gain a foothold among the better known sports, I think he was the one who was hired out of retirement as their leader. Not bad for a guy who has only one name. ;)
yeah, i don't think ICHIRO will reach that kind of status.
for the record, Pelé is a nickname. His name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

[Yogi#8Fan]

Originally posted by gyb13
yeah, i don't think ICHIRO will reach that kind of status.
for the record, Pelé is a nickname. His name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento. I just hope that Suzuki doesn't reach that kind of status. Pelé was/is a genuine class act. Suzuki, I can't say. What's wrong with having "Suzuki" on your jersey? He'd said it's like "Smith" in the States. Well, I'm sure Ted Williams wore his name on his jersey. In all of MLB's history, only two people named Suzuki but he doesn't want to wear that in the USA. :rolleyes::shakehd:

For current athletes not named, I think that Vince "Air Canada" Carter, Shaq and Kobe may start transcending soon, if not already. Now if only Bill Cosby had played a little ball when he was young! :)