http://www.mail.com/subjects/19514-athlete-retirement.html Mail.com - the best personalized free web-based Email en en http://sec-s.uicdn.com/mail.com/2.28/img/mailcom_logo_rss.png http://www.mail.com/subjects/19514-athlete-retirement.html http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2103014-bears-lb-urlacher-announces-retirement.html CHICAGO (AP) — Brian Urlacher wasn't sure how dominant he could be any longer, so he's calling it a career after 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears. And what a career it was: —Eight Pro Bowl seasons; —Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 —A trip to the Super Bowl as 2006 NFC champion. And now, it's over. The eight-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement t... Wed, 22 May 2013 22:08:07 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2103014-bears-lb-urlacher-announces-retirement.html 2013-05-22T22:08:07Z http://www.mail.com/sports/basketball/2100700-knicks-unsure-stoudemires-role.html GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — Amare Stoudemire will go into next season with $45 million left on his contract and no guarantee of a starting job. He also could remain a reserve who plays restricted minutes. Searching for ways to improve next season, the New York Knicks could use a reliable second scorer and dependable low-post option. They have no way of knowin... Tue, 21 May 2013 18:37:14 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/basketball/2100700-knicks-unsure-stoudemires-role.html 2013-05-21T18:37:14Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2096480-fergusons-managerial-career-ends-with-5-5-draw.html WEST BROMWICH, England (AP) — Alex Ferguson. Former Manchester United manager. At the end of his 1,500th game in charge of Man United on Sunday, the 71-year-old Scot bowed in front of thousands of applauding fans — and then bowed out of soccer for good. The most successful managerial career in British soccer history is over, leaving a void that might not ... Sun, 19 May 2013 19:55:58 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2096480-fergusons-managerial-career-ends-with-5-5-draw.html 2013-05-19T19:55:58Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2093574-retirement-tests-beckham-built-lasting-brand.html PARIS (AP) — David Beckham's pecs are at least as much a part of his brand as his kick; his brand of shoes ultimately more lucrative than the game he's giving up. Listed as the world's highest-earning athlete for 2013, Beckham's retirement from play still leaves him with valuable endorsements and unparalleled celebrity. The question is whether he can maintain it. ... Fri, 17 May 2013 17:47:36 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2093574-retirement-tests-beckham-built-lasting-brand.html 2013-05-17T17:47:36Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2091086-exit-becks-david-beckham-retiring-seasons.html LONDON (AP) — End it like Beckham. David Beckham, whose curling free kicks, rugged good looks and celebrity marriage made him one of the most famous athletes in the world, is retiring from soccer. Whether striding on the grass, the red carpet or the fashion catwalks, Beckham transcended his sport and became its highest-paid player, with a fortune estimate... Fri, 17 May 2013 07:22:19 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2091086-exit-becks-david-beckham-retiring-seasons.html 2013-05-17T07:22:19Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2090298-beckham-to-retire-soccer-season.html LONDON (AP) — David Beckham is retiring from soccer, ending a career in which he transcended the sport with forays into fashion and a marriage to a pop star that made him a global celebrity. The 38-year-old midfielder, who recently won a league title in a fourth country with Paris Saint-Germain, said Thursday he will retire after the season. "I'm thankful... Thu, 16 May 2013 15:31:40 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2090298-beckham-to-retire-soccer-season.html 2013-05-16T15:31:40Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2088608-ravens-lb-mcclain-retires-playing-with-team.html OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Linebacker Rolando McClain has told the Baltimore Ravens that he's retiring from the NFL. The 23-year-old McClain played three seasons with the Oakland Raiders before signing a one-year contract with Baltimore as a free agent on April 12. "Rolando let me know that he plans to retire from the NFL," Ravens general manager Ozzie News... Wed, 15 May 2013 21:29:59 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2088608-ravens-lb-mcclain-retires-playing-with-team.html 2013-05-15T21:29:59Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2088414-murray-retires-with-pain-nadal-wins-rome.html ROME (AP) — Back pain forced Andy Murray to retire midway through his second-round match at the Italian Open on Wednesday. He may have to sit out the French Open, too. Rafael Nadal began his bid for a seventh Rome title by cruising past local hope Fognini of Italy 6-1, 6-3 in just 61 minutes, and two-time defending champion Maria Sharapova eased past Span... Wed, 15 May 2013 20:58:36 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2088414-murray-retires-with-pain-nadal-wins-rome.html 2013-05-15T20:58:36Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2087572-murray-retires-with-pain-doubtful-paris.html ROME (AP) — Andy Murray retired from his second-round match with Spanish opponent Marcel Granollers at the Italian Open on Wednesday with lower back pain and considers himself doubtful for the French Open. Murray, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, walked off the court after winning the second set to even the match. "I have an issue with my lower back... Wed, 15 May 2013 16:02:08 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2087572-murray-retires-with-pain-doubtful-paris.html 2013-05-15T16:02:08Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2082696-man-u-fans-pack-streets-to-honor-champs-ferguson.html MANCHESTER, England (AP) — In front of tens of thousands of flag-waving and chanting fans, Manchester United players and retiring manager Alex Ferguson paraded the Premier League trophy through packed city streets on a second day of jubilant celebrations for the English champions. Fans clambered dangerously up storefronts, scaffolding, statues, bus stands... Mon, 13 May 2013 20:31:16 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2082696-man-u-fans-pack-streets-to-honor-champs-ferguson.html 2013-05-13T20:31:16Z http://www.mail.com/sports/hockey/2078320-red-wings-beat-ducks-4-3-ot-setting-up-game-7.html DETROIT (AP) — Henrik Zetterberg took a big step as the leader of a storied franchise, snapping a scoring slump in a clutch way with his second goal in overtime. The Detroit Red Wings Red Wings still have a shot to advance in the NHL playoffs. Zetterberg netted his second goal 1:04 into overtime to lift Detroit to a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game ... Sat, 11 May 2013 04:17:59 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/hockey/2078320-red-wings-beat-ducks-4-3-ot-setting-up-game-7.html 2013-05-11T04:17:59Z http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/2078344-cardinals-miller-retires-27-straight-1-hitter.html ST. LOUIS (AP) — Shelby Miller gave up a single to start the game then nothing else. Not a walk or a hit batter. No one even reached on an error. Nothing. The St. Louis Cardinals rookie was perfect after that leadoff single by Eric Young Jr., retiring 27 in a row for his first career complete game, 3-0 over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. ... Sat, 11 May 2013 04:11:55 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/2078344-cardinals-miller-retires-27-straight-1-hitter.html 2013-05-11T04:11:55Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2077712-alex-ferguson-prepares-trafford-farewell.html LONDON (AP) — For almost 27 years, fans at Old Trafford have watched Alex Ferguson vent his anger, berate officials, check his watch and make celebratory jigs down the sideline. On Sunday, a crowd of 76,000 will have one final chance at home to savor all the habits of the most successful manager in British soccer history. With Manchester United having wra... Fri, 10 May 2013 20:29:47 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2077712-alex-ferguson-prepares-trafford-farewell.html 2013-05-10T20:29:47Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072396-ronde-barber-to-retire-16-seasons-with-bucs.html TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Three-time All-Pro Ronde Barber is retiring after a 16-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that included a Super Bowl title and five Pro Bowl appearances. The Bucs announced Wednesday night that the 38-year-old twin brother of former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber will not return to play on a defense overhauled since the... Thu, 09 May 2013 02:18:45 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2072396-ronde-barber-to-retire-16-seasons-with-bucs.html 2013-05-09T02:18:45Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2052890-im-gay-nba-player-jason-collins-breaks-barrier.html WASHINGTON (AP) — Last summer, NBA veteran Jason Collins considered joining an old Stanford college roommate, U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, at Boston's gay pride parade. Collins eventually decided he shouldn't, because he wanted to keep his secret safe: For more than a decade as a professional athlete, he had remained silent about his sexuality, worried a... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:48:17 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2052890-im-gay-nba-player-jason-collins-breaks-barrier.html 2013-04-30T13:48:17Z http://www.mail.com/sports/basketball/2051162-nba-veteran-center-jason-collins-gay.html WASHINGTON (AP) — With the simplest of sentences, NBA veteran Jason Collins set aside years of worry and silence to become the first active player in one of four major U.S. professional sports leagues to come out as gay. In a first-person article posted Monday on Sports Illustrated's website, Collins begins: "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:37:09 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/basketball/2051162-nba-veteran-center-jason-collins-gay.html 2013-04-30T02:37:09Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2052324-gay-athletes-while-active-retired.html Even before Jason Collins, plenty of other athletes around the world have come out as gay, either while still active or in retirement. From Martina Navratilova to Greg Louganis to Sheryl Swoopes, men and women from a variety of sports have openly acknowledged their sexuality, though many others are believed to still be reluctant to come forward. ... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:27:29 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2052324-gay-athletes-while-active-retired.html 2013-04-30T01:27:29Z http://www.mail.com/sports/basketball/2025922-knicks-rasheed-wallace-retires-nba.html NEW YORK (AP) — New York Knicks forward Rasheed Wallace retired again from the NBA on Wednesday after he was unable to recover from a left foot injury. Wallace tried to make it back for the playoffs, but knew after a brief stint Monday against Charlotte that it was over. "We all wish we can play forever but that's just not the case," Knicks coach Mike Woo... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:28:55 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/basketball/2025922-knicks-rasheed-wallace-retires-nba.html 2013-04-18T00:28:55Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2018326-ferraris-alonso-wins-f1-chinese-gp.html SHANGHAI (AP) — Fernando Alonso's win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday announced the Ferrari driver as a strong contender for the Formula One championship after a comfortable victory in which he claimed to have plenty to spare. Alonso took the lead for good with 13 laps to go and won by 10 seconds from Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen, with pole sitter Lewis Hami... Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:25:13 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/2018326-ferraris-alonso-wins-f1-chinese-gp.html 2013-04-14T10:25:13Z http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/1982518-tim-mccarver-to-step-fox-season.html NEW YORK (AP) — Tim McCarver will make his 55th straight season of Major League Baseball his last. The two-time champion catcher will call the World Series this year and then retire from his analyst job at Fox. "I wanted to step down while I know I can still do the job and proud of the job I've done," the 71-year-old McCarver said during a conference call... Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:08:26 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/1982518-tim-mccarver-to-step-fox-season.html 2013-03-27T22:08:26Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1949506-tony-gonzalez-hes-returning-to-falcons.html FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Falcons have some big holes at the start of free agency. Tight end isn't one of them. Tony Gonzalez announced Tuesday he is returning for another year after his near-retirement, a move that has coach Mike Smith smiling. "I can assure you we're a lot better football team this afternoon than we were this morning," Smith said s... Tue, 12 Mar 2013 22:11:53 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1949506-tony-gonzalez-hes-returning-to-falcons.html 2013-03-12T22:11:53Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/1947182-us-short-track-mired-scandal-poor-showings.html With charismatic stars such as Apolo Anton Ohno, the United States has been a top contender in short track speedskating since the sport known as roller derby on ice joined the Olympics in 1992. If things don't change, and quickly, that won't be the case at the Sochi Games. With the next Winter Olympics less than a year away, the American program is mired ... Tue, 12 Mar 2013 01:20:36 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/1947182-us-short-track-mired-scandal-poor-showings.html 2013-03-12T01:20:36Z http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/1946354-chipper-pinstripes-well-yanks-cashman-tried.html VIERA, Fla. (AP) — Chipper Jones putting on pinstripes? The banged-up New York Yankees would love to have him. General manager Brian Cashman even said so Monday, expressing interest in the retired Atlanta Braves star. "He'd be perfect," Cashman said at Yankees' camp in Tampa. "I'd take Larry in a heartbeat. I think everybody would." ... Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:18:11 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/1946354-chipper-pinstripes-well-yanks-cashman-tried.html 2013-03-11T20:18:11Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/1944986-champ-48-bernard-hopkins-fighting.html PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bernard Hopkins has another belt around his waist and a slice of boxing history to his name. He just might not have another bout. The oldest boxer to win a major title, the 48-year-old Hopkins said he could retire a champion if he's no longer inspired and the right bout doesn't materialize. "If I'm not motivated, and the competition is... Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:47:02 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/1944986-champ-48-bernard-hopkins-fighting.html 2013-03-10T23:47:02Z http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/1943068-yankees-closer-rivera-this-final-season.html TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Mariano Rivera and his family walked into the pavilion behind the third-base stands at Steinbrenner Field followed by his New York Yankees' teammates. It was the start of the long goodbye for baseball's greatest closer. Dressed in a dark jersey top and pinstriped uniform pants, Rivera announced what already had leaked out in prior days:... Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:56:12 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/1943068-yankees-closer-rivera-this-final-season.html 2013-03-09T21:56:12Z http://www.mail.com/sports/other/1941868-48-hopkins-chasing-championship-history.html PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bernard Hopkins is more grill master than grill pitchman, willing to fire it up for hunks of organic chicken or fresh salmon. Maybe some buffalo. When he's not always cooking his own meals, Hopkins shifts interests toward tasteful decor. He keeps his eyes peeled — and behind Prada glasses — for the latest trends in interior decorating ... Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:49:19 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/other/1941868-48-hopkins-chasing-championship-history.html 2013-03-08T21:49:19Z http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/1941050-riveras-family-florida-bound-closing-chapter.html TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Mariano Rivera's family is on its way to Florida for the expected announcement that one of baseball's greatest relievers will retire after the season. There have been numerous reports — one by The Associated Press — that this will be the last season for the 43-year-old closer. A news conference is scheduled for Saturday at the Yankees' ... Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:52:36 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/baseball/1941050-riveras-family-florida-bound-closing-chapter.html 2013-03-08T18:52:36Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1934364-bills-lb-merriman-announces-plans-to-retire.html BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Linebacker Shawne Merriman is calling it "Lights Out" on his career. The three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2005 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year said on his website Tuesday night that he intends to file retirement papers. "I retire today not because I don't feel I can go out there and still play the game at a very high level," Merrima... Wed, 06 Mar 2013 01:13:39 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1934364-bills-lb-merriman-announces-plans-to-retire.html 2013-03-06T01:13:39Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1909142-ravens-matt-birk-retires-15-seasons-nfl.html BALTIMORE (AP) — Matt Birk has decided to retire after 15 seasons in the NFL, the last winning a Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens. Birk announced his retirement Friday at Battle Grove Elementary School. Ravens coach John Harbaugh says the 36-year-old center played the best of his four seasons in Baltimore this past year. A sixth-round draft sele... Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:29:19 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1909142-ravens-matt-birk-retires-15-seasons-nfl.html 2013-02-22T21:29:19Z