FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFor information contact: Bret Werner/Jerry Milani Alan Taylor Communications (212) 714-1280
Fort Lauderdale, FL (October 28, 1997) -- The most celebrated player in basketball history brings his game to the Internet with today's launch of his Web site through CBS SportsLine. Now Michael Jordan's fans can keep up with their hero like never before through an array of interactive content that is as diverse as the Chicago Bulls star himself. The site is located at http://jordan.sportsline.com on the World Wide Web.
Microsoft, Gatorade, Oakley, Wilson, Hanes, Ball Park Franks and Rayovac have already signed on as charter partners for the site. In addition, CBS SportsLine will develop a Michael Jordan Active Channel for Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 that will debut in early November. Taking advantage of the latest "push" technology available in Microsoft's web browser which "webcasts" information on requested topics directly to the user, the Jordan Active Channel will provide users with quick and convenient access to unique content.
Jordan's site features multimedia entertainment and information showcasing Jordan's life, on and off the court, and allows fans to communicate with him through a vast array of technological and interactive features, including scheduled chats.
Jordan will be an active participant in the site, providing columns and audio each month, answering selected fan e-mail each week, and participating in scheduled chat sessions.
"Basketball fans all over the world can now meet in one place on the Internet to find out what I'm up to. My site will provide fans with the latest information on both my basketball career and my personal interests," said Jordan. "I am looking forward to communicating with fans all over the world and am glad that they have an interactive forum to follow the Bulls as we go for another title."
The site is divided into these distinct areas:
· Home Page: Jordan's updated career statistics, last game summary, next game preview, daily polls, interactive contests and the exclusive Feature of the Week cover story by SportsLine's award-winning editorial team.
· MJ's Career: A comprehensive biography, a list of Jordan's accomplishments, shot charts and feature articles on basketball's most popular player. An exclusive weekly column on Jordan and season and career statistics updated after every game highlight this section. In addition, Jordan will contribute to an exclusive monthly column.
· On the Court: Fans can follow Jordan's moves on the court and keep up with his team as they shoot for their sixth title of the decade. Previews, recaps, and insider reports of every game are included, along with complete pro basketball coverage featuring links to CBS SportsLine's award-winning staff reporting from around the league.
· Off the Court: Includes video and music clips from Jordan's films, information on Jordan's favorite charities and the "Trainer's Table," a monthly column written by Jordan's personal trainer.
· Chat with Michael: The ultimate forum for Jordan fans. E-mail, exclusive audio interviews and question-and-answer sessions, including scheduled chats with Michael himself.
· Audio and Video: Monthly exclusive audio interviews as well as a dynamic compilation of Jordan interviews and video highlights during the 1997-98 season and from his magnificent career.
· Game: The Gatorade Slam Dunk Challenge is a fun, interactive basketball game featuring Shockwave animation. Fans can step into Jordan's shoes for some online one-on-one hoops.
· Gift Shop: Michael Jordan merchandise is available here.
"Michael Jordan is known the world over as one of the best ever to play the game," said Michael Levy, president and CEO of SportsLine USA, the publisher of CBS SportsLine. "His fans now have a place to go to get all the latest information about him and, more importantly, can interact with their hero like never before."
Jordan attended the University of North Carolina where he led the Tar Heels to a NCAA Championship on a last-second in 1982, his freshman year. Jordan was chosen with the third overall pick in the first round of the 1984 NBA Draft, and earned the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award in 1985. Jordan has been a member of five Chicago Bulls championship teams (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997), and was named the NBA Finals MVP in each of those years. A four-time NBA regular season MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996), Jordan has captured a record nine NBA scoring titles, including seven consecutive scoring crowns (1987-93). Last year, Jordan was selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history.
SportsLine USA, Inc., the publisher of CBS SportsLine, is a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based sports media company founded in 1994. The SportsLine service was renamed CBS SportsLine as the result of an exclusive agreement with CBS Sports in March 1997. The service features more than 200,000 pages of multimedia sports information and entertainment covering all major collegiate and professional sports. SportsLine's superstar advisors include Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Joe Namath, Shaquille O'Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Jerry Rice, Pete Sampras, Cal Ripken, Arnold Palmer, Joe Montana, and Emerson Fittipaldi.
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