They flew to Utah, a flu in Utah
Originally published March 19, 1995.
It was perhaps the shortest news release ever issued, but really, there was nothing else to say. In two simple words, Michael Jordan said it all: ‘‘ I’m back.” Back to basketball. Back to the NBA. Back to the Bulls.
‘‘ He walked in this morning, shook my hand and said, ‘ It’s a done deal,’ ’’ Bulls coach Phil Jackson said Saturday after practice.
‘‘ I’ve played many seasons with Michael, and I’ve never seen him as sick. it was to the point where I didn’t think he was going to be able to put his uniform on.” Scottie Pippen
And just like that, what went from wishful thinking to a rumor to a possibility finally became reality.
‘‘ I hoped for it. I never thought it would be an actuality,” Jackson said. “There’s relief. We said earlier this week that this was a possibility, that this was coming to a head. . . . For us and the fans, I think we’re all relieved that this has been resolved.”
There’s been much speculation about Jordan and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf having to meet to hammer out a deal. But because of a leaguewide ban on redoing contracts — Jordan is under contract for this season and next — all the two could agree to do is to talk once the ban is lifted.
‘‘ There were no contract negotiations. I can’t change his contract because of the moratorium,” Reinsdorf said from his home in Arizona.
But as soon as that ban is lifted, expect Jordan to sign a new deal that, sources say, will have the highest average salary ever in any sport and could approach as much as $ 50 million for two years.
Jordan will return today against the Indiana Pacers in a game that will be televised nationally by NBC.
‘‘ If this is what makes him happy, then I’m happy for him,” Reinsdorf said. “I’ve always said I’ll support whatever he wants to do. And he seems pretty excited about this.
‘‘ My only admonition to him: Don’t try to be Superman by playing too much too soon. Start slowly and work your way into the game.”