What else do you expect from them? ... Let's talk about this team. ... Think about that, why would they do that?

Sure, I think everybody's nervous, ... Overall, look where the team was. No one expected them to be in first place. They underestimated the team, underestimated [Sox manager] Ozzie [Guillen], and underestimated all the ballplayers. Look where they are.

I think the state has some serious problems. Just look at the layoffs going on across the state, not just in Chicago. It affects the middle class. It pushes people down.

And the political system is changing rapidly in this country, and we better realize that. The elephants or donkeys are not what younger people look to. They look at individual candidates' philosophy, and I think it's a different time and a different generation.

I've given it my all. I've done my best. Now, I'm ready with my family to begin the next phase of our lives.

The spirit of the Olympic movement is great for young people because it teaches them about the training and discipline required to compete. Even if they don't make the teams, they can rededicate their lives to the art of sport, discipline, and physical fitness.