Retirement disappoints youngsters An Evans student summed up their feelings: 'The NBA just won't be as exciting anymore." By Tim Povtak OF THE SENTINEL STAFF From elementary school to high school age, from male and female, the response among Central Florida youngsters to the-stunning retirement Wednesday of Michael Jordan was much the same: Disappointment Real disappointment. "The NBA just won't be as exciting anymore with Michael Jordan gone," said Patrick Holt, 15,. from Evans High School. "We're all disappointed. It just won't be as fun knowing he's not around anymore. When we heard it at home, my brother started crying." Holt and many other youngsters gathered to play basketball Wednesday at the Pine Hills Boys and Girls Club. Some had learned of Jordan's retirement on the late news Tuesday. Others were greeted with the news Wednesday at school. No one went very long without hearing about it. "It's kind of sad for me and my dad," said Denise Vicens, 10, from Mollie Ray Elementary School. "We'd always try and JOHN RAOUXVSENTINEL (From left) Denise vicens, 10, Patrick Holt, 15, Jasoe Crawford, 10, Korey Blount, 17, Cory Ingram, 11, and Marlon Ranger, 15, are disappointed Michael Jordan called it quits on Wednesday. watch the Bulls on television, and I'd wear my Bulls hat. That's because of Michael Jordan. It just won't be the same now." Although Jordan said in his announcement that his father's death in July had little to do with his retirement decision, many of the youngsters thought otherwise. "I think he just needed time away after his father died," said Marlon Ranger, 15, from Evans High School. "They were so close. I'm disappointed, but I think he'll be back after he gets over his father's death." "He was like a hero, an idol to so many kids," said Jason Crawford, 10, of Mollie Ray Elementary. "I would have liked to see him stick around and get 10 championship rings." 7- Because Jordan did not rule out the possibility of playing again if his desire returns, most of the children believe they will see him play again. "I don't think what he did was right," said Cory Ingram, 11, of Ridgewood Park Elementary. "He's supposed to set an example for all the kids. Maybe he didn't feel too good right now, but then he should of stood up and met the challenge. He shouldn't have given in so easily." Jordan's announcement also sent other kids and adults into the various card shops around Central Florida, all looking for anything with Jordan's face on it. Alta-monte Sportscards, for example, sold almost all of its Michael Jordan cards, posters and pictures Wednesday.
