20 years ago, on this day, the great Michael Jordan had announced his 2nd retirement from NBA, an announcement that shocked Jordan and NBA fans alike, as Chicago Bulls had completed their 2nd three peat the season before.
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Jordan had once earlier retired from the NBA, post the 1st three peat with Chicago Bulls and though he returned to the franchise for a second stint, he was 99.9% sure this time that a comeback wouldn’t actually transpire.
One would argue that Michael Jordan was still physically in a brilliant place while he addressed the press regarding his second retirement, but mentally, Michael was done.
That was the one major factor that led to that 2nd retirement announcement, according to MJ.
“I am here to announce my retirement from the game of basketball,” Michael Jordan said during the press conference.
“I don’t have the mental challenges I’ve had in the past. For me to start something and then in the middle of the season lose interest would be unfair to the people I’m involved with and my fans.
“It’s difficult because I’m giving up something I truly, truly love. But I don’t want to fool myself, going into a situation knowing I’m not 100 percent.” he added.
Jordan admitted that he had made the decision during the lockout but wanted his voice to be heard during that period, as he also had a responsibility towards other players in the league.
Thus, right after the lockout ended, Jordan decided to go through with the announcement.
“I wanted to support the players during the lockout and voice my opinion,” he said.
“I have an obligation to the players of tomorrow. When the lockout ended I felt it was appropriate to announce my retirement.” he added.
Michael Jordan turned to baseball after he announced his second retirement, and was obviously asked about his future plans. Talking about the next big challenge in his life, Jordan said that ‘parenting’ was the next big challenge he was looking forward to.
“People say Michael Jordan doesn’t have any challenges outside basketball,” MJ said.
“Being a parent is very challenging, as any of you with kids know. I welcome that challenge.
“I enjoy dropping my kids off at school, which I did today, and picking my kids up at school, which I’ll do today. I enjoy watching my kids play one on one.” he added.
Michael Jordan then went onto thank Chicago Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, NBA Commissioner David Stern and his fans in a wonderful statement about how he has absolutely enjoyed his time in Chicago.
“Thank you for permitting me to play basketball in Chicago and to meet my beautiful wife and build a family here,” he said.
“Thanks to the fans, who allowed me to come to Chicago and adopted me as one of theirs.” he added.
Check out the press conference:
Phil Jackson was moving on from Chicago, and he was asked about if that also played a part in Jordan’s retirement decision.
“I retired the first time when Phil was coach,” he explained.
“Even with Phil as coach I would have had a hard time finding the challenges.” he added.
Towards the end of his press conference, Jordan wanted to highlight how he and all NBA players love the sport. For upcoming NBA players, Jordan had a message about how they needed to show that they really loved and cared for the game any and everywhere that they went.
“You’ve got to get back to the love of the game,” he said.
“If you didn’t get paid a dime, you’d still play basketball somewhere. That love has to be illustrated in the way you play the game and how you carry yourself on and off the court.” he concluded.
Do you miss watching Michael Jordan play?
