The news broke first on social media marking the end of an era for the Dream and their fans. Star retires after 12 seasons with three WNBA Finals and eight playoff appearances in his time at courtside.
There are certain feelings, certain emotions that come along with being a mascot. Certain experiences that will never leave you.
The roar of the crowd the minute you lead the team out of the tunnel.
That first hug you give a smiling kid on the concourse that brings them to tears.
Dumping a full bag of popcorn on a fan's head while they are in the middle of a serious conversation.
And soaking up a victory at center court with the fans chanting in my direction.
We danced our way to three WNBA Finals and eight playoff appearances in my time courtside. In some ways, I know the team couldn’t have done it without me.
I kept you smiling through some down years and it made me love my role with this franchise even more.
But now, it is time to fly the coup. It is time to try something new. As fitting as the name I was given, it is time to shoot this STAR in to the great unknown.
Things have begun to break down. It is not as easy as it once was walking up and down stairs at the arena. My feathers are beginning to fade. My wings don t work like they used to. Dunking is a thing of the past for me. And I just can’t get up for three games in six days like I once could.