Retiring...

[Coach K-LO]

Wow,
Things have never been that serious in the hobby to force so many quality guys to box up their players and go home.

Look Mike, I have never have the experience of playing you on the board or fellowshiping in the stands, but you are one of the few coaches that win 8 of 10 games or better. You are expected to perform at that level all the time no matter what.

So games against you take on new meaning for your opponents. IT IS A BIG GAME to most of them so emotions will run high. That kind of thing happens all the time so it comes with the title. However, if you cannot forgive that person or they want to hold something over your head, then you maybe right in your new pursuits.

Coach Karim hit the point in his reflections of his karate days - you will forever be a measuring stick to coaches looking to improve their games. So instead of retiring - why not give back to those you have beat down over the years and help them improve to a new plataeu in their quest to "Be like Mike!"

We both play in the BAM, but do not play each other, but I hope that you don't just walk away.....

K-LO

[Hook'em Horns]

Wolf sent me a PM along with a few other guys but his message had a way of standing out. Wolf you are a wise man sir and I appreciate your wisdom and leadership when making decisions about what is best for this forum.

What I have realized is that I had EF too high on the priority list. It showed in my success throughout the Country but in contrast it also showed in my failures in life outside of EF. I may decide to keep some of my things after all so that I may show my son one day but I will be getting rid of a lot and retirement and/or a very long break will definetely take place. Competition is a drug in itself and it is very addicting that is why guys like Brett Favre can't retire. That's why Michael Jordan came back. That's why Nolan Ryan pitched for 20 years. It's a drug and I'm an addict and just like many drugs the addiction can cause seperation between family and friends. It can cause family to turn on each other because the game is not put into its true perspective. This game falls well below my spitritual, family and professional obligations. Not to mention my obligations to myself to be active in the community with Youth sports and staying healthy which also requires a certain level of committment.

I thank you guys and I now realize how many of you guys talked smack to me but truly were my brothers at heart! haha. I appreciate that. As I stated before I will still be active on the forum and will continue to offer my opinion on styles of play and other topics that is discussed on the forum. I'm now Troy Aikman the "analyst" instead of Troy Aikman the "Quarterback". I'm still a part of the game but no longer in the game.

[KINGPIN]

I will let you win if you dont resign, I promise not to score 70 points on you, honestly. look chump dont ask me to come back then you walk away hahaha, you are afraid now that my spartans are ready, look man i'll change the bases on them to let you win. i made my spartans especially for you and you only, now ******** it your gonna play me. I know you heard reports about my offense called 'jail break', i wont play them against you, i'll use my nieces team against you, she's 6 and she based them up herself.


MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS, VINCENT PEATROS

[PraiseDaddy]

While those that know the Lord will struggle with "stuff" from time to time, those who perservere are willing to do inventory, hopefully keeping short accounts, to examine ourselves to evaluate our priorities and true affections.
Nothing wrong with having and doing stuff, but when the stuff has you, it can be diifficult to make the changes needed. When I got saved, I got rid of a lot of things which either took up unnecessary time or were just totally inconsistent with my confession of Christ. Felt great when I did. But, I've learned over the years that I am inclined to be obsessive. If I get into something, I can't do it halfway, I'm generally all in. Knowing this helps me. And though I also plan to use this hobby to build relationships, preferably those that would lead others to Christ, I have to be careful that I don't find MYself shipwrecked.
You can't go wrong if you follow the leading of His Spirit, confirmed by His word. So, if you sense this is His plan, do whatcha gotta do, bro.

[markee]

Mike,

I know where you are coming from and wish the best in your decision. Family and your spiritual life DO come first. Second, EF is both a game and a hobby. It is unfortunate that their is bad blood between foes and friends. Many in this hobby are to competative and intimidating. This tends to turn many newcomers away. THIS IS JUST A GAME. Many people out their have to take that statement to heart.
Jerry McGhee has always said that he does'nt understand why I come to conventiosn without the mindset to win....... Their you have have it. I come to conventions to have fun, further the development of my skills in the hooby and to share with others and will always continue to so....
I look forward to seeing all of you in Canton. If possible, Mike I would love to see you their as well.

[jimmie]

Mike play a season of solitaire the peace will sort things out about the hobby!!

[texastimetraveler]

Mike:

Since you tried to tell us all this last year, and since you've acheived virtually all you can on the field your decision makes more sense to me now than it did 1 year ago. After all life is long and with a nice brake I bet you'll get back into things later on down the line. Only you know whats best and what your priorities are.

Take care and thanks for all the advice.

Curtis