By Allen Schlesinger

David Robinson's life and career has been full of milestones and hurdles. Guess what NBA fans? The Admiral has easily jumped over each hurdle in full stride, quieting his critics without saying a single word.

Critics labeled the Admiral soft, and Robinson came back scoring 71 points in a single game, winning an MVP and winning a championship. Plus, the Rookie of the Year award. He's donated timeless hours and money to making San Antonio a better community. Even at the tender age of 33, while still learning, he let every Avery Johnson take the reigns of leadership so he could learn the true meaning of being a leader.

Countless numbers of his teammates have come and gone, but Robinson's loyalty has given him the reason to outlast all of them. In 11 of his 12 seasons, he's led his team to the playoffs.

Many people attempt to tarnish David Robinson's career by pinpointing his breakdown against Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1995 playoffs. Robinson did not let that get to him, simply respecting his opponent and acknowledging that he'd been outplayed.

David Robinson is self-discplined and even made a statement last season on the team bus by calling out his teammates, telling them that he felt they weren't playing with enough intensity or desire. Look at Robinson now? At 37, Ewing and Olajuwon were injury plagued, barely playing minutes in regular season games. Robinson's starting at center, averaging a double-double per game, and attempting to go out on top with his second championship ring. A tough thing to pull off in the current Western conference, but he's not going out quietly if he can help it.

Sometimes, legends in sports need to realize their bodies do not necessarily agree with their minds. One of the finest body and mind players will never suit up after this season. The former MVP will be gone in a few months, and maybe just maybe his accomplishments, not his faults will be what are remembered.