This wasn't how it was supposed to be. You'll read that sort of thing a lot when it comes to Mariano Rivera's knee injury, but that's because it's true. Mariano Rivera wasn't supposed to consider retirement after shagging fly balls in the outfield; he was supposed to gather followers and ascend to another plane.
And on Thursday, Rivera spoke to reporters in the Yankees clubhouse, saying that his pain was "more emotionally than physically." He also said that he "let the team down," after which he fought back tears for several seconds.
Rivera was asked if his career was over, and he responded that he didn't know, at least leaving the door somewhat open for a return. He was expected to retire after this season.
Rivera's teammates addressed the media as well:
Derek Jeter said "I'm not a doctor ..." in that interview , but if you were giving birth in a broken-down elevator, wouldn't you trust him and his calm eyes to see you through the crisis? Yeah, I thought so.