When to Retire? It’s Up to the Player

Bob Oates, in regard to your article, “Why Go Out on Top?” I find your argument completely ludicrous. Perhaps somewhere in the midst of piecing together your opinion, you forgot one simple fact: It is not your decision. I do not quite understand who gave you such powers of omniscience as to know what is “fulfilling” to Michael Jordan.

If Jordan does not feel that he has anything left to prove to himself, who are you or anyone else to demand that he continue to play against his will?

BRYAN GOLDMAN

Claremont

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To prove to Bob Oates that he is one of the best basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan has to become an aging bench warmer teaching rookies how to play the game. Without this “accomplishment,” no one will remember Michael Jordan’s name 10 years from now.

Mr. Oates, no one who ever watched Michael play will ever forget him, let alone fail to recognize that he is one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

CHRISTOPHER KEACH

La Jolla