Retirement
Mourning announced his retirement from the NBA on January 22, 2009. In his press conference he said "I'm 38 years old and I feel like I have physically done all I can for this game."
On February 28, 2009, the Miami Heat announced they would retire Mourning's number 33 jersey, making him the first Heat player to be so honored.
The jersey retirement ceremony occurred on March 30, 2009, when the Heat hosted the Orlando Magic. During the extended halftime ceremony, Mourning was introduced by Florida Governor Charlie Crist, former Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson, NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, current Heat players Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem and Heat Head Coach Pat Riley.
In May 2009, he was named to the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, which honors athletes, coaches and administrators who contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia.
On June 26, 2009, Mourning announced that he was returning to the Heat as the Vice President of Player Programs and Development, a position that covers community outreach and mentoring young players.
In April 2010, Mourning was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding high school, collegiate, and professional career as well as his commitment to volunteer service in the communities in which he has lived and worked throughout his life.
Read more about this topic: Alonzo Mourning
Famous quotes containing the word retirement:
“Douglas. Now remains a sweet reversion—
We may boldly spend, upon the hope
Of what is to come in.
A comfort of retirement lives in this.
Hotspur. A rendezvous, a home to fly unto.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
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—Richard Steele (1672–1729)
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—Jeremy Taylor (1613–1667)