It's not new to know that most professional athletes are dedicated to their crafts, to the point where other aspects of their lives are forced to become secondary. Ask about any of them, male or female, and they will tell you about opportunities or events they have to miss; weddings, raising children, or even the time to just have "down time". We as fans understand this, and know that some events are more devastating than others (Joe Dumars and the younger Isaiah Thomas both lost family during their respective playoffs), yet still find ways to perform.
Knowing this, I want us to appreciate the times where athletes are ready to put something else in the forefront, like family, other interests, or like the newly retired Darren Collison, a desire to focus on his faith.
The 31-year-old announced his retirement in a letter published by The Undefeated, saying he wanted to pursue his faith as a Jehovah's Witness. Collison was a solid player during his decade in the NBA, and according to some reports, was in for a noticeable payday in the upcoming free agency. That said, some are wondering why a player of his caliber, who physically had more years ahead of him, decided to call it quits so early...
...But isn't that the idea?
A common narrative is that someone would only make a change of this magnitude only if the reasons are just as heavy. Like I said starting this article, it should be noted, and appreciated, when athletes choose to put something else over their career. And Collison is just the latest over the number of athletes who were just as committed to other aspects of their lives, or had to leave their respective sports.
A few months ago, WNBA superstar Maya Moore announced on the Players' Tribune that she is sitting out during the 2019 season to focus on "some ministry dreams that have been stirring in my heart for many years." Moore is one of the best hoopers in the world, male or female; she's won every award you can think of, from Championship titles, to Player of the Year awards, and everything in between. Yet, she's taking a hiatus, during her prime (she turned 30 on June 11), to dedicate her life to family and faith. Why? It's simple: she wants to, and has the right to. She, like some many others, has dedicated her life, all the hours, games, travel, stress, to being the best at her sport, so while we may have mixed feelings about her leaving the sport, though she'll possibly be back, in the end we should respect her decision, and appreciate her greatness as one of the best.
Another reason Collison should get more attention, is that learning about his situation will lead us to players like the Portland Trailblazer center, Enes Kanter. A devout Muslim, Kanter was competing in the NBA playoffs during Ramadan, a time of fasting for Muslims. He couldn't eat, drink, or take medication (he played with an injured shoulder) from sunrise to sunset. It was taxing on his body, but for Kanter, his faith is more important than basketball, much like Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon, who did the same thing during his title runs.
The efforts of Collison, Moore, and Kanter should not go unnoticed. They work hard and maintain a strong faith, but sometimes it's bigger than the game. Let their stories motivate you to appreciate what they've done, along with others who chose faith, family, or pure happiness.
Mason Smith is a student at Alabama State University, and a writer for his school newspaper, The Hornet Tribune. The articles are in an effort to improve his writing skills and to be better prepared for work after graduation, where he hopes to earn a writer/editor position.
Knowing this, I want us to appreciate the times where athletes are ready to put something else in the forefront, like family, other interests, or like the newly retired Darren Collison, a desire to focus on his faith.
The 31-year-old announced his retirement in a letter published by The Undefeated, saying he wanted to pursue his faith as a Jehovah's Witness. Collison was a solid player during his decade in the NBA, and according to some reports, was in for a noticeable payday in the upcoming free agency. That said, some are wondering why a player of his caliber, who physically had more years ahead of him, decided to call it quits so early...
...But isn't that the idea?
A common narrative is that someone would only make a change of this magnitude only if the reasons are just as heavy. Like I said starting this article, it should be noted, and appreciated, when athletes choose to put something else over their career. And Collison is just the latest over the number of athletes who were just as committed to other aspects of their lives, or had to leave their respective sports.
A few months ago, WNBA superstar Maya Moore announced on the Players' Tribune that she is sitting out during the 2019 season to focus on "some ministry dreams that have been stirring in my heart for many years." Moore is one of the best hoopers in the world, male or female; she's won every award you can think of, from Championship titles, to Player of the Year awards, and everything in between. Yet, she's taking a hiatus, during her prime (she turned 30 on June 11), to dedicate her life to family and faith. Why? It's simple: she wants to, and has the right to. She, like some many others, has dedicated her life, all the hours, games, travel, stress, to being the best at her sport, so while we may have mixed feelings about her leaving the sport, though she'll possibly be back, in the end we should respect her decision, and appreciate her greatness as one of the best.
Another reason Collison should get more attention, is that learning about his situation will lead us to players like the Portland Trailblazer center, Enes Kanter. A devout Muslim, Kanter was competing in the NBA playoffs during Ramadan, a time of fasting for Muslims. He couldn't eat, drink, or take medication (he played with an injured shoulder) from sunrise to sunset. It was taxing on his body, but for Kanter, his faith is more important than basketball, much like Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon, who did the same thing during his title runs.
The efforts of Collison, Moore, and Kanter should not go unnoticed. They work hard and maintain a strong faith, but sometimes it's bigger than the game. Let their stories motivate you to appreciate what they've done, along with others who chose faith, family, or pure happiness.
Mason Smith is a student at Alabama State University, and a writer for his school newspaper, The Hornet Tribune. The articles are in an effort to improve his writing skills and to be better prepared for work after graduation, where he hopes to earn a writer/editor position.