MJ, please don't return to the NBA

Not much in today's world is perfect, but he was.

It seemed as though MJ always found a way.

I remember watching that game in the early '90s when Jordan hit a jumper at the buzzer to beat the Cavaliers, and frankly, I don't want to lose that image.

In my eyes, Michael Jordan represents the closest thing to perfection in athletics that my generation has ever known. Personally, and professionally, Jordan is someone who I am proud to call one of my role models.

It is for this reason that I must protest Jordan's return to the NBA.

Although it would be great to see him on the hardwood once again, I fear that he would never be the MJ of old, with age and a rib injury taking its toll.

He has accomplished truly amazing feats as a basketball player, and I think that nothing should be able to tarnish that. I feel that he is the best, and that he deserves to be remembered as such.

In an August 26, 2001 interview with ESPN.com's Andy Katz, Jordan's friend Charles Barkley said: "there's nothing positive for him to gain by coming back."

Well said, Sir Charles.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of seeing Jordan play. The dominance that he exhibited that night at the United Center will be a crystal-clear memory for years to come.

I once heard Pat Williams, Senior VP of the Orlando Magic, speak. His speech discussed a myriad of topics, one of which was, not surprisingly -- basketball.

He recalled visiting a foreign country, and watching a young boy score a basket, upon which he muttered a phrase in his native language. When Williams asked a local what the boy had said, the man replied, "I'm almost Michael Jordan."

Michael Jordan is an icon. His status in the world is not just about basketball, but I feel that he serves as a beacon for sportsmanship and perseverance.

In a league that I feel has faced an influx of greed and corruption, Jordan is a breath of fresh air. He is the standard that I would like to see others follow. However, I echo Barkley's sentiments and hope that Jordan will decide against another comeback.

Not much in today's world is perfect, but he was, and I'd like to keep it that way.