Jordan’s comeback a hoax

The website Empire News announced the day after Christmas that Michael Jordan would make a comeback in the NBA to play for the Charlotte Hornets, the team where he has an 89.5 percent stake. The news story claimed Jordan made the announcement at a press conference with Hornets coach Steve Clifford. Jordan will be 52 next month and hasn’t played in the NBA since averaging 20 points with the Washington Wizards in 2002-03.

It’s hard not to be convinced of the story’s authenticity – at first glance. The story was well-written with direct quotes from Jordan. But wait, if you click on the disclaimer note, you’ll read that Empire News is a “satirical and entertainment website … we only use invented names in all our stories except in cases where public figures are being satirized – any other use of real names is accidental and coincidental.”

The problem with social media is websites like Empire News proliferate with impunity. You sometimes don’t know what to believe anymore. News items, credible or incredible, pop out in google and you’re on our own to determine what’s accurate or what’s not. In a sense, it’s a test of one’s sanity or ability to distinguish what’s legitimate and what isn’t.

In Jordan’s case, Empire News referred to Kobe Bryant recently passing His Airness’ career point total. Now that’s a fact. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is No. 1 in the all-time scoring ladder with 38,387 points and second is Karl Malone with 36,928. Jordan used to be No. 3 with 32,292 until Bryant dislodged him. This season, Bryant has compiled 698 points in 29 games. At this rate, he’ll score over 2,000 points over 82 games. If Bryant plays two more seasons, he should be able to surpass Malone’s mark.

Empire News ended its “scoop” by declaring that Jordan had passed a physical and would be back in uniform within two to three weeks. Is Empire News liable in a suit? Has Jordan been maligned in any way? The disclaimer appears to absolve Empire News from any wrong-doing, that like Mad Magazine, it’s just out to entertain not malign. So no libel there, meaning no basis for a damage suit.

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The latest Empire News story is about President Obama announcing his resignation “amid allegations he is (the) leader of a new Black Panther movement.” How crazy is that?

Unfortunately, news of Jordan’s illusionary return won’t make a difference one way or the other in reversing the Hornet’s fortunes. Charlotte is now 10-23 and on course for another forgettable campaign. In the shortened 2011-12 season, Charlotte posted an all-time record lowest winning percentage of .106 with a 7-56 slate. Jordan bought a minority interest in the Charlotte franchise in 2006 then coughed up about $175 Million to acquire 80 percent ownership in 2010. He recently increased his investment to 89.5 percent.

Although Jordan has been inactive as a played for over 10 years, he continues to earn big bucks. In 2009-10, he reportedly took $55 Million to the bank from endorsements and his participation in the sales of Nike’s Jordan brand. A source said the Jordan brand brings in some $1 Billion in sales. Writer Russ Bengtson said, “kids who never even saw Michael play basketball, certainly not at the peak of his career, clamor for the shoes that bear his name … it’s hard to say when, how or even if it will ever end.”

What remains intact in Jordan’s legacy is what he has achieved as a player. He won six NBA championships, took six Finals MVP trophies, was named league MVP five times and gained All-Star Game honors thrice. Jordan led the NBA in scoring in 10 of his 15 seasons. Note that of his 15 seasons, he played less than 20 games in two. If you compare how quickly Jordan made it to No. 3 in the all-time scoring list to Bryant’s rate, you’ll find a major difference.

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Writer Sam Smith, in his book “There Is No Next,” reflected on Jordan’s career through the eyes of his peers, fans and experts. He had quotes from Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Phil Jackson, Grant Hill, Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich. Smith reserved the best for last as in the final chapter, he quoted President Obama as saying:

“Three things set Michael apart: First, he combined the showmanship of the playground, a Dr. J or a Connie Hawkins, with great fundamentals. As a result, he embodied as well as anybody both the artistry and discipline – improvisation and structure – of great basketball. He was a perfect blend of what is sometimes stereotyped as the black game and the white game. 

“A second, related point was just the sheer grace he had on the court, at once explosive and fluid. He had an aesthetic quality that sets a Fred Astaire apart from other dancers who may be just as technically proficient; the same quality that made Ali a joy to watch and Frazier wasn’t even when the scorecard showed them evenly matched.

“Third, he consistently met the moment. Magic, Bird, Russell – they were all just as competitive. But once Michael got over the Pistons hump, he went on a run where he just didn’t disappoint on the biggest stage, except maybe thinking he could come back for the playoffs after two years of baseball. The only other athlete I can think of who possessed that same quality of always hitting his marks was Tiger (Woods) in his prime.”

And so Jordan’s legend lives on with or without the Empire News exploiting his name.