From: hopkins@sparc1.ist.ucf.edu (Sean Hopkins)
Subject: Magic should be playing (with his kid at home.)
Followup-To: hopkins@sparc1.ist.ucf.edu 
Keywords: Magic, disappointment 
Organization: VSL, IST, UCF, Orlando
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1992 23:36:49 GMT

First of all, i havent made a lot of posts to the net so be patient.

    When I first heard Magic retired, I thought 'Good, finally
other players can take the limelight in the NBA.'  Well, this past
week, Mr. Ego decided that he couldn't live without basketball and
that basketball meant so much to him.  He ahs a wife and a new child
but has determined his life incomplete without basketball.  Sure Magic,
I believe you.  Personally, his ego wouldnt allow him to retire without
breaking 10,000 assists and trying to put it out of reach of Isiah Thomas
and John Stockton(eventual record holder.)  I also believe that Magic
wanted to prove that he could still play ball because he wasnt too  
impressive at the Olympics. (A lot of people say that no one looked
good though.  Well this is true but there was no competition for them.
Who's gonna play all out against Angola except the Quote Machine 
Barkley.)  Magic is letting his ego get into the way. 
    Another reason Mr Ego should stay home is that he is endangering
every other player in the NBA.  I'll admit that the probability of    
anything so extreme that causes a major loss of blood but it is still
a possibility.  Some people have mentioned the rule about stopping play
when a player or players have suffered an open cut or wound to allow
the player(s) to leave the court to patch up the wound until it stops
bleeding, but this rule doesnt do a whole lot.  When two players 
collide and create open wounds, the refs have to see the blood to stop
play.  This allows the players to have their blood mix and could
create another problem such as transfer of a disease.  However,
the NBA should have mandatory AIDS testing so that the players know
who carries the disease.  Most educated people know that AIDS is not
a homosexual disease therefore Magic really wont make a difference
in what people believe.  Back to my point, if one player on any team
Magic plays against objects to him playing then Magic shouldnt play.
    People also talk about people not giving the hard foul to Magic.
Who cares, everyone will hit because they are going to see if he can
handle the hits and pressure.  I don't know if he will want to take
a hit from Charles Oakley and Shaquille O'Neal.  
    I also noticed that Magic signed a new contract.  Yes, one player
in his mid thirties and six years past his prime should make $14.6
million a year or 73 times what the president makes.  No player
is worth that much money in any sport at any level.  Also, he will
only play 50-60 games in a sport where is only an above-average
player.  (Realistically, any point guard above 6'5" should be a 
fantastic point guard, let alone one that is 6'9")  Maybe in twenty
years when people make an average of $75K a year then maybe and that
is a big maybe.
    I have read all the arguments for and against Magic returning to
the NBA and most seemed happy about it.  I could perhaps understand
this if he was still in his prime with a strong supporting cast.
However, he was on a team that won 5 titles with a strong team full
all-stars and role-players.  I dont think he affect the Lakers much
now and extend their downward spiral with old players. (Look at Boston) 
Even Jordan couldnt win a title without 2 other all-stars and a
strong supporting cast of role players.
    All in all, I dont think Magics return will help the NBA at all.
Attendance and interest is at an all-time high without Magic because
new, bright young stars are entering the league such as Larry Johnson,
Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, and of course Shaquille O'Neal.
Magic, it is time to go on with your life.  Maybe buy and team and
run it, but dont play anymore when you are a shell of what everyone
thought you were.  (I always thought Magic was a overrated and a big
crybaby and sissy on the court.)
    
P.S.  Magic called President Bush irresponsible on his handling of
       the AIDS commision.  So Magic how did you get the HIV virus,
       by some undiscovered way or were you too irresponsible?  
       Don't blame everyone else for what you brought onto yourself!

-- Sean Hopkins
- Watch out for the Orlando Magic at the Love Shaq!!
- Orlando #1 in the Atlantic Division!!


Organization: Freshman, MCS general, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA