Jordan's fabulous legacy remains safe and sound

I still have a poster commemorating Michael Jordan's second retirement. I guess it's time to take down the Sticky Tak and get a new poster.

It's a great poster, though. There's a classic shot of him smiling late in a game he's dominating. You can tell because there's more sweat than a Gatorade commercial and it's rolling of him like Niagara. But that was when Jordan was MJ and he was playing for 'da Bulls.

His latest comeback some how captivated us all, but the motives behind it (although they were transparent to the fans that love Jordan) were driven by ego.

It's understandable that a man can't let go of the craft he has worked so hard to perfect and enjoyed for so long. But isn't it ironic that the master of closing out games can't even close out his own career?

Nope. In a perfect world Jordan would play forever and he would never miss a dunk or a game-deciding shot. But Jordan isn't perfect (close) and neither are his critics.

The fools that say Jordan's legacy was tarnished by his past two seasons in Washington don't remember MJ.

Look outside the United Center in Chicago, where a statue still stands that symbolizes Jordan's legacy. Unwavering and untarnished.

Neither the adamant Bulls fan nor the anti-MJ's went Baghdad on the statue of Jordan. Because both know his stint in Washington will be a mere footnote when they tell the true story of Michael Jordan to their grandchildren.

This season has been a celebration of his legacy a la Cal Ripken Jr., when he retired from Major League Baseball. Jordan's highest peaks and his lowest valleys have been nostalgic reminders of his greatness.

On second thought, that poster looks pretty good up there.

With the NBA officially Jordan-less, at least the WNBA is back for another season. Here's your week ahead:

Today

People say only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. True, but two other things are certain on Mondays: The Week Ahead and Bobblehead Mania. It's Bobblehead Mania Tino Martinez style at Auto Zone Park, when the Redbirds host the Sky Sox at 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday

After a five game layoff, fans will be delighted to see Scott City back on the baseball diamond. The bad news: Notre Dame will be there too. I hope the Bulldogs aren't looking past 0-8 Scott City, because the Rams will be ready to play. Notre Dame at Scott City, 4 p.m.

Thursday

The Notre Dame girls soccer team will host three SEMO Conference opponents in the next three games, beginning with Poplar Bluff. The last time these two met was April 2. Sierra Ellis had a hat trick and Notre Dame squeezed through a tight one 7-1 in Bluff. Poplar Bluff at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.

Saturday

If the tortoise and the hare raced again, who would you put your money on? Me too. If Central, Jackson, Notre Dame, and Perryville all got together for a track meet who would you put your money on? You'd better make a decision before 9:45 a.m. The Cape Relays are at Southeast Missouri State University's Abe Stuber Complex.

The Memphis Xplorers host the Florida Firecats at 7 p.m., and if you like scoring, you'll love this game (not just because its Mardi Gras Night). The Xplorers gained only 226 yards of total offense to score 51 points in their victory over Bakersfield. Anyway, the band FreeWorld will play in the parking lot beginning at 5 p.m. Food and beverages will also be available, plus beads will be given away at the gates. What's Mardi Gras without beads?

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High School. His column "The Week Ahead" appears every Monday.