Relief. Thats what I felt when I received word Dale Earnhardt Jr. had made the decision to remain on the sidelines for the remainder of 2016.That was my perspective -- that of a 50-year-old former driver who has?sustained many concussions and weighing every conversation Ive had with Dale the past two months.His wasnt the most popular announcement for those hoping to see him compete again (count me among them), but it was the absolute correct announcement as it relates to his future.Here is why:?? Having not been in a race car for roughly 60 days, Dale has made progress as it relates to the symptoms associated with his concussions, but the symptoms still exist. Thats concerning.?? I believe its your bodys way of talking to you, reminding you that there are still repairs needing to be made. Those repairs require time. How much time? Nobody knows.?? To that end, having a conference every two weeks doesnt help a person psychologically. With each announcement comes hope, or expectation. I believe in my heart of hearts that a person like Dale has no interest in letting people down. For a driver in his position, thats added pressure, and it probably doesnt help.?? When symptoms last for an extended period of time, you begin questioning yourself. Why is this taking longer than before? Did I cross the line (of what a body can tolerate) this time? What if I cant ever race again? Its hard to imagine, but if you love driving cars fast, its very uncomfortable to face the prospect of never being able to do it again.?? When youre in your 20s, you have no money, little responsibility, and even less regard for your health. You will do whatever it takes to be successful, to win, to become a member of that elite list of drivers associated with winning at NASCARs highest level. In your 40s you become aware of the punishment your body has taken, the toll that was paid in order to reach those goals.The Bottom LineIm 10 years into retirement, and Ive never replicated the feeling, the sensation of driving race cars, and in particular the elation of being the first to pass under the checkered flag. Winning races delivers a fulfillment I cannot describe, but if you watch how each weeks winner celebrates, regardless of it being their first or their 40th, it paints a vivid picture.That void can be very difficult, even damaging for retired athletes. Its almost impossible to prepare for, and I can tell you, Ive had my challenges.Dale Earnhardt Jr. Is more than just a great athlete, he is an icon. He has the popularity of an Elvis Presley, the skill of a Ken Griffey Jr., with the pressure like Griffeys of following in the footsteps of a legend.I was relieved for Dale after Fridays announcement because he has a tall, tall, hurdle to clear.Having stepped out from behind the wheel of his car twice in his career because of concussion-type symptoms, he cannot risk a third. Not at 42. It simply doesnt make sense.The temptation to come back because you feel better, because you have been cleared could set Dale back with the possibility of the symptoms returning because of the loads from the banking, the g-force, vibrations, noise and frequencies.These arent things most people consider. These are things Ive experienced.Although I miss driving and competing and know I cant match the value it brought to my life, Ive discovered a whole new appreciation for the things I do have.My three healthy children are front and center. They light up my life.My view of Dales circumstance isnt exclusive to the race car driver, its also about the son, the brother, the fiancé and the friend.Trust me when I tell you, Dales decision on when or whether to return has great implications.Cheap Fake Shoes . Woodson said during a radio interview Thursday that the Knicks Carmelo Anthony doesnt get the same calls as other superstars. Fake Shoes From China . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. https://www.fakeshoes.net/ . JOHNS, N. Fake Shoes . -- Ryan Blaney provided more evidence that Penske Racings No. Wholesake Fake Nike Air Force 1 . Miller reached right to deflect Mikhail Grabovskis attempt with just over 2 minutes remaining in regulation, and then made two more saves in the shootout Sunday to give the Sabres a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals.Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti won a bet with Minneapolis counterpart Betsy Hodges when the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Minnesota Lynx 77-76 on Thursday night for the WNBA title.The wager celebrated the accomplishments of distinguished women authors from both cities. Hodges will send copies of books by some of Minneapolis most celebrated female authors to Garcetti for donation to the Downtown Womens Center. If the Lynx had won, Garcetti was going to send books by L.A. authors to Minneapolis.The Sparks have done it again! Garcetti said in a statement afterr Los Angeles victory in Minneapolis.dddddddddddd For the third time, our team is bringing the WNBA title back to Los Angeles where it belongs. Congratulations to the Sparks on an incredible game tonight, and for adding yet another championship to our citys winning tradition. And to Mayor Hodges in Minneapolis -- I look forward to fulfilling our wager and donating some amazing Minnesota literature to our Downtown Womens Center. ' ' '