Sunset Riders

     The sporting world has always been a constantly changing one, with its athletes moving in and out.  Recently, though, three figures, often misunderstood, often maligned, in no means great,  but worthy of true respect in my eyes, have left.  It's time to say good bye.

Keith Jardine - Less than a week ago, the Ultimate FIghting Championship (UFC) decided to  terminate the contract of the Ultimate Fighter alum. Jardine's most recent loss to Matt Hamill was actually his fourth consecutive loss, which prompted the issuance of his pink slip.  Jardine has always been a favorite of mine, as he possesses one of the truly great monickers of all time (It actually was my pick for "Top Monicker").  More than that, though, "The Dean of Mean," got my respect because he was always ready to fight, evidenced by the fact that he often stepped up when the UFC needed a competent light heavyweight to fill a card.  Very few fighters are willing to fight on short notice as back ups or substitutes, but Jardine made no bones about it.  While his termination is not a permanent banishment from the UFC, fans will certainly miss the "Dean," and his unorthodox fighting style. 

Rasheed Wallace - After an epic seven-game battle against evetual champs the L.A. Lakers, the Boston Celtics experienced another loss, as veteran Wallace signified his intention to retire.  'Sheed has always been a difficult, polarizing character, with fans and teammates loving him and opponents and critics absolutely hating him.  For much of his career, Wallace has been called many unflattering things, from a waste of talent, who preferred to roam the three point line instead of posting down low, to a braggart who threw towels at teammates and complained constantly to the referees.  Somewhere between the technicals and leading the "Jail Blazers," though, Wallace was also one of the game's best defenders.  While many credited Ben Wallace (no relation) for the stifling defense of the 2004 Detroit Pistons championship team, but 'Sheed was its most dynamic defender.  While his career numbers of 14.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks are way below Hall of Fame levels, his defensive toughness, especially highlighted by his battling age and cramps in game 7 of this year's finals, will be missed.

Manute Bol - The first 7'6" player to ever step foot in the NBA, Bol passed away last June 19.  While casual NBA fans scoff at the Sudanese import and his horrible scoring average of barely 3 points a game, NBA junkies remember Bol for his tremendous shot-blocking ability (He led the NBA in blocks in 1985-86 with 5 per game and in 1988-89 with 4.3 per game) and his ability to shoot the 3 (He once shot 6 in a game).  Bol's greatness, however, lies not on his game, but his indomitable desire to bring peace to Sudan, and his constant efforts to achieve that goal throughout and after his career, is what I respect the most.  So his basketball exploits, captured in the video, may be immortalized in youtube, but I do hope his efforts in Sudan will also be remembered and honored.  Rest in peace Manute.