J.K. Rolling

Author: Jeff Klein

New York Giants running back Tiki Barber's announcement that he plans to retire at season's end is generating more controversy than the war on terror, taxes and social security combined.

Everyone from fans to ESPN's Tom Jackson to former wide receiver Michael Irvin have been criticizing Tiki for the timing of his announcement and its potentially destructive effect on the team. Tiki responded on a satellite radio show by calling them "idiots." Even the less-harsh critics are wondering why Barber would choose to walk away when he is currently putting up MVP numbers and solidifying his status as the backbone of the Giants.

Personally, I can understand people's bewilderment at Tiki's choice to retire at such a high point in his career. He could easily play another five years at an extremely high level and earn a ridiculous amount of cash. Bewilderment, though, should by no means turn into criticism. There is nothing wrong - and in fact, there is quite a bit right - with choosing to walk away "on top."

About two weeks ago, John Branch wrote a column in The New York Times in which he discussed fans' obsession with, and sense of attachment to, the players that they root for. Fans, Branch argued, not only cheer, but help determine legacies. Citing a book on the relationship between players and fans, Branch stated that there are several somewhat psychological reasons why Tiki's decision seems "wrong."

First, fans feel a sense of ownership with players and their teams and take their actions personally, so to Giants fans, this seems like abandonment. Secondly, great players have so often played way past their primes that Barber's decision to retire on the top of his game goes against convention. Naturally, people are more comfortable with regularity and convention. Finally - and this is on a more practical level - fans see professional athletes earning millions of dollars by playing a game and envy them. They wish they could have that same sort of lifestyle and thus can't imagine that a player would ever choose to throw that away.

All of this makes sense, but regardless, nobody is justified in criticizing a player's personal decisions. And Tiki is more than justified in this decision. He takes an absolute beating week in and week out, which often goes unnoticed by fans. More importantly, Tiki Barber is probably one of the most intelligent professional athletes ever. He has more to offer to the world than running with and catching the pigskin. He already has a weekly radio show, and he has said that he has thought about pursuing a career in finance or public works. So all the more power to him.

The bottom line is that this is what Barber wants to do. It's time for people to start showing more respect for this well-rounded man.