Leave on Top, Don’t Hang On Just Because

USA Today Founder Al Neuharth lauds Oprah’s decision to end her 25-year long talk show and tells others (in politics and sports) to learn from her example:

She should be an example for many hangers-on who don’t know when to hang it up. One-time greats in politics or sports generally are the worst at this. Two current examples:

U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, 92.

Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden, 80.

Bowden has been head coach at FSU for 33 years. He is hanging on by his gray hair this year with a 6-5 record. It will be 6-6 after his Seminoles lose to the Florida Gators Saturday. He should have retired or become athletic director 15 years or so ago.

Byrd is an even worse example. He is denying West Virginia — and the Democrat Party — an effective voice in the Senate. He’s often absent. If he had retired as senator when he should have, he could have become a respected and effective elder statesman for his state and his country.
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Oprah’s announcement should remind us all that a fond farewell beats hangonitis.

Who are the best candidates for hangonitis in politics? Business? Sports?

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