Comebacks and Criticism

Every few years retired players have a feeling; some call it a "mid-life crisis", and believe that they can compete at the elite level again. Most of them failed their goal of coming back the same as before they left, but there's one that stands apart from the rest. Michael Jordan's first comeback, towards the end of the 1994-1995 season, is the only comeback I can think of where the player came back at the same level. Since that day I’ve welcomed any player to try a comeback. Hell, even when Michael Jordan lost a step during his second comeback I didn’t criticize. Every time a player makes a comeback there are a growing number of critiques who don't condone it (i.e. when Reggie was mulling over a return to the game). On SportsCenter we all see the panel rip into players walking the comeback trail to the pros. The majority always puts down the idea of the return and chalks it up to missing the game. I disagree with the panelists. For example, Allan Houston is coming back this season, working out at the Knick's facility, and the analysts are putting him down. Allan was one of best shooters in his time and was forced to retire due to injury. He's healed up and wants to comeback. I think Allan and all players who want to make a comeback, in any sport, should be able to do so without the criticism. I know the criticism of retired players comeback is not a major issue or even noticed by media, but it's just a repetitive act that I feel should be hushed by the leagues.