The crying MJ meme is arguably the best meme in the history of memes. Many have documented its genesis and popularity — here and here and here are quite good in this respect — there’s even a brilliant 30 for 30 trailer spoof:

Which brings us to the 2016 NCAA National Championship game. By now, you’re already aware of how North Carolina’s loss to Villanova was an unprecedented and perfect meme storm. His Airness, Carolina’s most famous alum, just happened to be in attendance at Houston’s NRG Stadium, and Twitter did not disappoint:

Sadly, however, the time has come to lay this meme of all memes to rest. Today. Only by putting it down can we honor its greatness without ruining its legacy. Truthfully, anything worth praising falls into one of three distinct categories, anyway, and the Jordan crying face is no exception.

1. “Don’t leave yet!”

These are the underrated memes, videos and GIFs that simply never receive their due. This includes Antoine Dodson:

Chrissy Teigen:

And Oklahoma Woman:

2. “Perfect timing”

The absolute BEST moment to retire is when the subject can say “Sure, I’m not as great as I once was, but I’m going out on my terms while I’m still on top.” This is where the MJ cryface currently resides. Other examples include the timeless Deez Nuts GOT EEEEEM video:

The Honey Badger:

And, of course, the endless Odell Beckham Jr. memes:

3. “It’s about damn time”

These are the absolute worst moments to euthanize something; the zone that #MJCRYINGFACE is dangerously approaching. Overzealousness and boredom will cause even the best greatest of memes overstay their welcomes, a phenomenon we’ve seen before. There was Pants on the Ground:

#WinnerWinnerSheenDinner:

And that 3D baby that found itself in your emails for years after it had jumped the shark:

Keep in mind, the next few months of the sports calendar present us with far too many opportunities to completely ruin what’s left of the joy that Jordan has provided:

• The Masters: Jordan Spieth misses a putt on Sunday and he gets the cryface, the golf ball gets the cryface, and the hole itself becomes a cryface.
• The Kentucky Derby: Four words. #LosingHorseCryFaces.
• The NBA Playoffs: No explanation necessary.
• NBA Draft: Whoever gets drafted by the Lakers or Sixers. (Phil Jackson will get the cryface on account of the Knicks not having a pick this year.)
• The Summer Olympics: LoLo Jones is fails to win any medals (again) gets the cryface.
• The Presidential Election: Concession speech cryface? Yup.

So please, do the right thing, People of the Internets. Retire the Jordan crying meme now — before it’s too late!