This is Earth. Compounding the problem is that the job of athlete is a heightened sensory experience. The nervous system, in addition to a furnace-like burning of 6,000 calories a day, is electrified by adrenaline on a regular basis. Only other athletes understand what a physical need is behind the inability of most athletes to retire gracefully. Some guys have other vices in their life to take the place of this drug.
Some guys find it very, very tough to give it up.
So anyone seeking the answer as to why Jordan would jeopardize that perfect storybook championship ending in 1998, or why Barkley would give up his relaxing job as a studio analyst, can stop right here. Their comeback attempt might tarnish their golden images or offend your sense of neat sentiment, but it's what they need. And it's probably the healthiest thing for them. Before you pass judgment, remember that a recent study found 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Should the comeback attempt fail, and should Jordan and Barkley condescend to watching their waistlines, never fear.