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. Dominic Moore Canadiens Jersey .C. United of Major League Soccer. United chose the defender in the second round of the 2013 MLS re-entry draft. Guy Lafleur Jersey . The team also announced Tuesday that the Braves will wear a commemorative patch on the right sleeve during the season. The patch, shaped like home plate, carries the number 715, Aarons autograph and a "40th Anniversary" banner. http://www.canadienssale.com/authentic-xavier-ouellet-canadiens-jersey/ . Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey last Sunday. The fine is the fourth this season for Goldson. He was fined $30,000 for a hit on the New York Jets Jeff Cumberland in Week 1. Montreal Canadiens Jerseys . McCarthy, a player who played some games in the second tier for Wigan at the start of this season, would go on to shine inside Evertons midfield, outplaying the man he was brought in to replace, on one of the grandest stages in English football. On Saturday, it was fitting that Manchester Uniteds most recent dagger into the chest was delivered by Frenchman Yohan Cabaye, a wonderfully gifted central midfielder who put on an outstanding effort for Newcastle at Old Trafford. Dominic Moore Jersey . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday. COLUMBIA, Mo. -- New athletic director Jim Sterk did not shy away from addressing the social issues that have beset the Missouri campus the past 12 months. On Thursday, he said he wants to foster an inclusive, diverse and successful environment.I have a fresh start, Sterk said. Were not a campus of turmoil. Obviously in every place, theres issues, but I feel very good about this as a place that I can be a part of. I can help, and we can help grow and heal and move forward, and Im excited about that.Interim Chancellor Hank Foley introduced Sterk and his wife, Debra, to a room of Tiger faithful that included former football coach Gary Pinkel and current coach Barry Odom.Sterk replaces Mack Rhoades, whose tenure lasted just 15 months. It was marked by campus upheaval that resulted in the removal of the university system president and chancellor following student protests, including a promise of a boycott from members of the football team, a stance Pinkel supported. Rhoades is taking over at Baylor.In his opening remarks, Sterk called Missouri a destination job, stressing a long-term commitment to the program.Im excited to represent the flagship institution of the great state of Missouri, said Sterk, a 1980 graduate of Western Washington whose wife is a Missouri native. We dont jump around. Thats not us. We made this decision to stay here long-term, and so I have no intention of leaving.Sterk served as athletic director at Portland State from 1995-2000 and at Washington State from 2000-2010 before stepping into the same position at San Diego State.dddddddddddd His official start date is Aug. 22.Foley led the search for Rhoades replacement in conjunction with the Collegiate Sports Associates search firm.In thinking about this hire, I looked for people who would tell me that Jims reputation was too good to be true, but to honest I couldnt find them, Foley said. Instead, Ive heard words like highly seasoned, inordinate passion, uniquely gifted. All the attributes of a prudent athletic and academic leader.Sterk is regarded as an exceptional fundraiser, having more than doubled San Diego States athletic scholarship fund during his seven-year tenure with the school.Im so excited about what his plans are leadership-wise, Odom said. The decisions that we make are going to affect this place for a long time, and Im glad to have a partnership with him that will work well, and get started.Sterk was named 2016 AD of the year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and he holds a seat on the NCAA Division I Mens Basketball Committee. However, he revealed Thursday he will have to vacate that seat. Kentuckys Mitch Barnhart already holds a seat on the committee, and per NCAA rules, only one representative from each conference might occupy a seat on the committee at a time. ' ' '