Michael Jordan is still in the Bahamas but "should be
back in Chicago by Wednesday," according to Lacy Banks of
the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. His agent, David Falk, "doesn't
expect to make an announcement on Jordan's future today."
Over the weekend, Bulls teammate Steve Kerr sounded less-
than-optimistic of Jordan's return: "He prepares as well as
anybody, but from all I hear, he's been playing golf and
going to the Bahamas. ... I don't think he's really
preparing to play" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/11). Falk
dismissed comments by Jazz Owner Larry Miller that Jordan
will retire: "That's totally erroneous. ... Is Larry Miller
representing Michael now?" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/9).
MICHAEL TOO "CLEVER"? In Chicago, Sam Smith writes that
Jordan "apparently thinks he's being very clever and cute.
And very dramatic. The world wonders about Michael. Will
he or won't he? Rumors abound. Isn't that the way he likes
it?" Smith: "He thinks his refusal to reveal whether he
wants to retire or play another year or two is a way of
getting back at the Bulls. ... The people Jordan is
betraying most are his teammates" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/11).
ON THE SHELVES: In N.Y., Alex Kuczynski reports that if
Jordan retires, book publishers will "roll up their tweedy
sleeves and shout with joy." Random House's Bertlesmann
A.G. has invested heavily in two Jordan books, his "For The
Love Of The Game: My Story," released last fall by the Crown
Books division, and David Halberstam's "Playing for Keeps,"
to be published on February 1. Barnes & Noble has reported
that "For The Love Of The Game" has "not sold" to
expectations, despite a "short-lived best-seller status."
Halberstam will start making appearances and hit the PR
circuit shortly for his book (N.Y. TIMES, 1/11).
