Jordan's Legcay Untarnished

04-12-03

I’m Chuck Wilson with an ESPN Radio Extra Point,
Now that the Washington Wizards have officially been knocked out of playoff contention, the Michael Jordan critics will be out in force telling us what a failure his comeback has been. They're still mad that he didn't ride off into the sunset after his series-ending shot to win his last NBA title. So, some argue that MJ has tarnished his reputation. What nonsense. Michael Jordan returned because he loves to play and missed the competition. There were critics who said he wouldn't hold up physically and his game would be a shell of what it once was. Last year, Jordan did suffer an injury, but this season he has played every game. He's averaged 20-points and logged more than 37-minutes per game...at age 40. Individually, he's done MORE than most expected. What about the team you say. O.K. you're right, he wasn't able to make the Wizards a winner. The fact is they should have made the Playoffs. But has it tarnished his legacy as a player? No way. Years from now when you talk about Michael Jordan, the memories will still take you back to his glory years with the Bulls. Nothing has and nothing could, change that.
I’m Chuck Wilson