In Chicago, columnist Bob Verdi reports that Michael
Jordan signed a one-year contract with the Bulls yesterday
worth an estimated $36M. Verdi: "How much is he really
worth? If Oprah pulls down $180 million for being the best
at what she does, maybe Michael Jordan is a bargain for $36
million. ... Where do you even start with Jordan? He really
is in a league of his own" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/28). In DC,
Thomas Heath writes that with incentive clauses, the deal
"could be worth" $40M (WASHINGTON POST, 8/28)....In Anaheim,
the Angels' Tony Phillips, on Disney's dispute with the
MLBPA over his drug arrest: "I'm not going to be a pawn in
this situation. I'm not going to be anybody's whipping boy,
whether it's the Players Association or Disney. ... I don't
play for Walt Disney. I play for my family, and I play
because I love the game. I play for my teammates. I play
for the Anaheim Angels" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 8/27).
Anaheim Sports President Tony Tavares said that he "did not
take offense" to Phillips' comments. Tavares: "Under these
circumstances, there are going to be high emotions and a
difference of opinions" (L.A. TIMES, 8/28).
