What has been "lost in all the words written and spoken
about" the Wizards naming Michael Jordan President of
Basketball Operations is, "It's an endorsement deal,"
according to Bob Greene of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Greene:
"Jordan is being paid a great deal of money to endorse a
professional basketball team -- and, by implication and
extension, to endorse a basketball league" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
1/23). CNN's Inga Hammond, on the Wizards putting Jordan's
picture on a poster advertising season ticket sales:
"Somehow I can't imagine Stan Kasten or Ernie Grunfeld or
any other front office guy on a poster" (CNN, 1/23). In
Chicago, Sam Smith: "Make no mistake, this was a [NBA
Commissioner David] Stern production. ... Team executives
are wondering if Stern will try to coax some top players or
draft picks to Washington by loosening the rules because the
league so badly wants Jordan to succeed and not leave"
(CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/23). In Denver, Mike Monroe wrote that
Stern "wanted M.J. back in the NBA," and contacted four
franchises including the Nuggets, but only the Wizards "were
willing" (DENVER POST, 1/23).
FALK FEEDBACK: In Chicago, Lacy Banks discussed with
agent David Falk a variety of issues regarding Jordan.
Falk: "I've stayed in the background and assumed a low
profile because this is Michael's day, and I thought it more
appropriate that people hear from Michael." More Falk,
asked if he "should quit" as Jordan's agent: "No. I hope
that I maintain a relationship with Michael forever. ...
He's a dear friend. I expect to keep working with him for
as long as he feels comfortable." Falk added, "My job is
simply that of an adviser. I cannot make decisions for
Michael" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/23). ESPN's Mike Lupica: "I
think the NBA is going to do what it has in previous
conflicts ... Look the other way" (ESPN, 1/23).
GETTING THE JOB DONE: In Chicago, Rick Morrissey wrote,
"Jordan does know talent. He always has known opponents'
strengths and weaknesses ... He was a superstar with a work
ethic" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/23). In Cincinnati, Tim Sullivan
wrote that the "moral of the Michael Jordan story is to
never leave well enough alone. Never rest on your laurels.
Never settle for satisfied" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 1/22).
CBS MarketWatch's Jon Friedman: "Winning at business
requires intangible qualities that Jordan has demonstrated:
a competitive zeal, fearsome work ethic, relentless optimism
and a knack for teambuilding" (CBS MarketWatch, 1/21).
AN AIR OF SKEPTICISM: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler: "My
guess -- and I say as a huge Jordan fan -- is that the
Wizards will keep right on losing" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER,
1/22). In Denver, Jim Armstrong: "Jordan isn't going to get
it done. Why? One word: patience. The great ones never
have enough" (DENVER POST, 1/23). Red Auerbach told CNN's
Nick Charles, Jordan "gives the energy, he's a great
motivator, he'll have [the Wizards] playing much better than
they were playing ... Plus the fact that Michael Jordan
always has sold tickets. ... [But] How much is he going to
commit himself?" ("Page One," CNN, 1/22).
