Michael Jordan as CEO of the Nike Jordan brand is "a
first step into The Rest Of His Life ... the tiny start of
transition in which he sees himself going from endorser to
producer," according to Michael Wilbon of the WASHINGTON
POST. Jordan: "Fashion has always been one of my interests.
... I can't see myself coaching and I can't see myself doing
television." Although Wilbon thought Jordan might "one day
own outright his own team," Jordan feels "he has more
control as a player over the outcome of a season than he
does as an owner." Wilbon adds that "even more impressive
... than the inaugural line" was Jordan attention to "issues
that have confronted shoe and apparel" execs, including the
start of sales on a Saturday morning where kids won't skip
school; using colors "that gangs traditionally have had no
interest in," and producing shoes that are cheaper than
$140. Wilbon: "He enters the market as one of the most
visible minority businessmen anywhere. Not pitchman,
businessman. Youngsters, particularly black ones, will have
to see him in a new light" (WASHINGTON POST, 9/11).
DAILY SHOW: Comedy Central's Craig Kilborn, on Jordan's
Nike brand: "Jordan said he's not doing it for himself, but
to create employment opportunities for Third World children"
(Phil Rosenthal, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 9/11).
