Jordan's Agent Denies Comeback Rumors
N E W Y O R K, March 14 -- Could Michael Jordan's next big acquisition forthe Washington Wizards be — Michael Jordan?
Citing a source identified only as being "very close toJordan," Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly reported in thisweek's edition the former NBA great is "90 percent committed" tomaking a comeback next season with the Wizards.
A Jordan comeback has been fueled by reports he is working out —with some saying he was spending up to six hours a day in a gym toget back into playing shape.
‘Never Say Never’
Jordan told The Washington Post on March 8 that a comeback "hasnot crossed my mind, but I will never say never."
"The first time I said never, I ended up coming back, but I cansay that there's a 99.9 percent chance that I am not coming back,"he said.
He downplayed this latest report, saying he is working out toget into better shape.
"To run a basketball team with the motivation of coming back toplay is against any rules or ethics out there," Jordan was quotedas saying in today's Washington Post. "I am working outbecause I got up to 240 pounds and I'm trying to lose weight.
"Playing basketball at a health club against, in essence, someweekend warriors, is the best way I know how to lose weight. Peopleare taking this stuff way too far, but I can't control what peoplewrite or think so I'm not going to address this any more."
Jordan Wants to Remain an Owner
Jordan's agent, David Falk, also ridiculed the report.
"I think that there is less than one-tenth of 1 percent of achance that Michael will play again in the NBA. When you hit thelast shot in the last second of his last game for a three-peat, howdo you top that?" Falk told the Boston Globe.
"He wouldn't play for the veteran minimum; he'd play for theMichael Jordan minimum," Falk said. "And that would only comeabout if every team chipped in $2 million or $3 million becausethat's how much it would mean. But money isn't the issue. I wishyou would print this so we can put an end to all thisfoolishness."
