When To Let Go

In all areas of life, eventually, the abilities one had in his or her prime deteriorate leaving the person a shell of the former self they once were, whether it be in sports, academics, or life in general. As made famous in the movie "The Dark Knight"," You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." Sadly, that is what many Americans experience today- clinging on to what is left, relying on old skills that the person no longer posses and can utilize. No matter the age or amount of experience one has, there is always somebody that can do your job longer, better, faster, and stronger. Take for example Kobe Bryant, who at age 18 signed his for NBA contract, Bryant was so young when he signed his first contract that he had to have his mother also sign the contract because of Age of Consent Laws; as Bryant has aged, he has become more mature, understanding how to better use his energy, sitting out more games and knowing that an old-fashioned layup is the same amount as a highlight-making, devastating dunk. However, I am not saying that Bryant is adverse to making such a play, Kobe continues to be one of the best players in the NBA today, as he almost won the NBA Scoring Title this past season, and is a threat to dominate every facet of the game if you say something he does not like. This is also displayed in the success of the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs, two of the oldest teams in the NBA that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals where they pushed the eventual NBA Champion Miami Heat to a seven game series and captured the first seed in the Western Conference respectively. With seasoned NBA veterans like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobli, and Tim Duncan leading their teams, both teams are led by two of the top coaches in the NBA, Doc Rivers and Greg Popovich. These teams are able to continue to be successful because they know their limits, and can make the most  out of a difficult situation. They are definitely not the most athletic teams, but they have some of the best technique which allows them to gain a step. With that said, age is definitely not just a number, when age and injury rear their ugly head, the result could be devastating. Players like Roger Clemons, Jerry Rice, Sammy Sosa, Joe Montana, infamously Brett Favre, and even the Greatest of All Time Michael Jordan did not know when to finally call it a career. They say the best thing about a good comedian is that he knows when the joke has run its course, but these athletes among many just never knew what was the best time to call it quits. This is understandable considering being an athlete is the only thing these men have ever known, but that does not excuse them to hold on forever. Ending with another Batman Series quote," Know your limits Master Wayne". Sadly, athletes continue to make the same mistake, not knowing their limitations and pushing them way too far, way too long.