However in the fall of 1991, a series of events began that threatened not only the image of Michael Jordan, but the millions of dollars his name meant. In 1989, NBC was willing to shell out $600 million for that same amount of time.
In 1985 (Jordan’s rookie year), CBS paid the NBA $188 million for a 4-year TV contract. And most importantly to the NBA, the money taken in from TV revenues went through the roof. Merchandise (mainly Bulls jerseys with the number 23 emblazoned on them) flew off shelves. Ticket sales increased league wide (Jordan almost always played to sell-outs, both home and away).
Almost single-handedly, Jordan made the NBA into a commercial powerhouse. It was estimated at one time that 70% of all basketball fans considered themselves Chicago Bulls fans –meaning Michael Jordan fans. And with him, came an economic boom unlike anything the NBA had ever seen.įor Michael Jordan wasn’t just an NBA superstar. But in the late 80’s and early 90’s, Michael Jordan turned that fire in an inferno. In the 80’s, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird added fuel to that smoldering fire with their skill and rivalry. An addiction that was well known both inside and outside the league, and one that had to be kept as invisible as possible so as not to tarnish the image of both Michael Jordan and the NBA. For I don’t believe that Michael Jordan willingly “retired” on that October morning, but was directed by the NBA and its commissioner David Stern to seek counseling for his growing addiction to gambling. Under this squeaky clean surface, however, bubbled true ugliness. Not surprisingly, just two days after Jordan’s speech, the NBA announced its five month long investigation had ended with the league apparently finding nothing of significance. Having just led his team, the Chicago Bulls, to its third World Championship in as many years, and still reeling from the tragic murder of his father James Jordan in July of that same year, MJ had had enough.īut almost forgotten in the hubbub surrounding his retirement was the NBA’s ongoing investigation into allegations of Michael Jordan’s gambling problem. Michael Jordan, the biggest and brightest star in the entire sporting world, suddenly announced his retirement from the NBA. But in the sporting world, especially the NBA, nothing could’ve been more shocking. Not what you’d call a red-letter date in history. It’s weird how you literally have to relearn EVERYTHING you know. Stumbled across a cool old article about Michael Jordan.