In 1992, Michael Jordan got into serious trouble as a cheque worth $108,000 was found from murdered businessman Eddie Dow. Four people shot and killed Dow, who had ownership of several nightclubs and buildings in Chicago. Upon retrieving his briefcase, authorities discovered three checks worth $108,000, issued by Michael Jordan.
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In the book Jordan Rules by Sam Smith, the author delves deeper into this turbulent past of the Chicago Bulls legend. Michael Jordan, who initially denied any relation to this claim, changed his stance once the league intervened. Furthermore, he even apologized for his involvement in such cases, which might have likely sparked the flame for his first retirement.
Michael Jordan apologized for his connection with the Eddie Dow murder case
Michael Jordan’s gambling spree knew no bounds. He was leaving traces of his addiction everywhere, even in places where he would get into deep trouble. As mentioned in the book Jordan Rules, one such incident was Michael’s payment of $108,000 to Chicago bail bondsman Eddie Dow. Interestingly, Dow was the financer for the October gambling weekend attended by Jordan in 1992. In a statement regarding this incident, Jordan said:
“The mistake was that it got to be public knowledge situation. [But] I have a right to associate with whoever I choose.”
Although Jordan was defiant at the start, the NBA getting involved was one of the last straws in this contention. Several people believe that Michael Jordan’s drive for betting was due to his relentless competitiveness. As Sam Smith noted in the book, he elaborated on the incident:
“No, said the NBA, announcing it would conduct an investigation. On the day the Bulls were to play the Knicks, March 31, Jordan was called into the NBA’s Fifth Avenue offices and received what amounted to a warning and lecture: Be careful whom you associate with. And Jordan would be contrite afterward, answering reporters’ questions for almost two hours before the Bulls defeated the Knicks for their 11th win in the last 12 games. ‘No one’s perfect—Michael Jordan, you, or anyone else,’ Jordan said. ‘Sometimes you forget as a public person the things you have to take into account.'”
Gambling exploits would have a deep impact on Michael Jordan’s career
Michael Jordan’s career received a huge dent after some startling revelations started to surface about his gambling habits. Besides being caught up with the Eddie Dow murder case, federal agents also found a $57,000 cheque from Jordan while seizing $200,000 from convicted drug lord Slim Bouler.
Many even speculate that Michael Jordan’s first retirement was instead a secret suspension from the NBA. However, when he returned in 1995, he went on to win another three-peat. This proved he is the greatest of all, despite all vices associated with him.
