Maya Moore hints at possible retirement in Facebook video

Basketball legend Maya Moore, who helped the Minnesota Lynx in the Cheryl Reeve era to win four WNBA championships, stated in a video posted to her official Facebook page:

I’m dedicating my life to freeing Jonathan the same way I dedicated myself to each game in the WNBA.

Jonathan Irons was sentenced to 50 years in prison at the age of 16 despite a lack of physical evidence in his case. Moore explains in the video that she believes prosecutorial misconduct is at the root of many wrongful convictions. In addition to launching a Change.org petition to demand a review of Irons’ case, Moore expressed complete dedication toward his exoneration.

Does this mean Maya Moore just announced her retirement?

The verb tenses, in what appears to be a carefully worded statement, could offer a clue. Moore refers to her efforts to free Jonathan in the present tense (“dedicating”) and her WNBA game preparation in the past tense (“dedicated”).

Her decision to sit out the current season came as a shock to many, leaving Lynx fans confused. But her essay in The Players’ Tribune, titled “The Shift,” made very clear that she is in search of a higher purpose that aligns with her religious and spiritual beliefs:

I measure success by asking, “Am I living out my purpose?”

I learned a long time ago that my purpose is to know Jesus and to make Him known.

Some of you may know about the verse from the Bible that I include in my autographs: Colossians 3:23.

I take the time to leave people with a little insight into who is the foundation of my approach, passion and motivation.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord….”

If this is it for Maya Moore, her exit from the WNBA will be as memorable as her on-court accomplishments, as one of the best to ever play the game.