Basketball's Michael Jordan retires
By Andrew Stern
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"I am here to announce my retirement," he told a news conference on the basketball court of Chicago's United Centre not far from a soaring bronze statue of Jordan in flight that carries an inscription few would dispute: "The Best There Ever Was. The Best There Ever Will Be."
Unlike his earlier, temporary retirement in 1993 when he left the game for a stint as a professional baseball, Jordan said this decision was final.
He announced no specific future plans other than to spend more time with his family, and to remain in Chicago.
"Being a parent is very challenging ... and I welcome that challenge," he said of his children. He said he would live "vicariously" through his children if they play basketball, "or if they don't."
In walking away from the game after 13 seasons and at the age of 35, Jordan left behind six world championships for the Chicago Bulls, 10 scoring titles, a stack of most valuable player crowns and unforgettable memories of dead-on shots in an airborne ballet that defied gravity and the best defences the game could throw at him.
In addition to making a fortune on the court -- his paycheck for last season was $33 million -- Jordan became a twinkling, one-man commercial marketing machine for products ranging from sneakers to batteries.
Fortune Magazine once estimated his marketing prowess added $10 billion to the world economy. In advance of his announcement, marketing experts said his appeal was timeless and would no doubt continue to generate fortunes.
Jordan's decision was not unexpected. He had said he would play only for coach Phil Jackson, who resigned last summer after the Bulls captured their sixth championship in eight seasons.