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via Getty

Michael Jordan, the legendary Chicago Bulls player, is known for his tenacity and determination on the basketball court. In a pivotal moment of his career, Jordan faced a significant decision. The decision defied the will of the team’s management and medical advice. He made this crucial choice under a unique clause of his $6.3 million contract. This was despite Jerry Reinsdorf, the Bulls’ owner, stressing the gravity of the decision by presenting an allegorical example.

Suppose you had a headache and I gave you ten pills. Nine could make it go away and one would kill you.” Jordan remained resolute. He?trusted his instincts and took a chance in order to overcome the suffocating darkness that had wrapped him. This decision would prove to be a defining moment in Michael Jordan’s extraordinary journey as a basketball icon.

Michael Jordan’s devastating injury

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Michael Jordan’s injury during the game against Golden State on October 29 turned out to be far more serious than initially believed. At first, they thought Jordan had a mild ankle injury, but later they revealed that he had broken a bone in his left foot. This devastating blow sidelined Jordan for a total of 64 games, leaving the Chicago Bulls in disarray without their leader.

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The team struggled without Jordan, posting a dismal record of 17-33 heading into the All-Star break. The Bulls keenly felt his absence, and they faced a significant challenge trying to fill the void left by their star player.

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Michael Jordan’s decision to return to the court despite doctors’ warnings and potential career-ending risks was a testament to his unwavering passion for the game.

The “love of the game” clause

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During a critical conference call, Jordan faced the team doctors and Bulls management, expressing his desire to be back on the court, displaying evident determination to play. “We really didn’t know how bad it was. When we learned it was the navicular bone that scared all the doctors. It’s where the least amount of blood is,? said Chicago Bulls GM Jerry Krause, as explained in Sam Smith’s book There Is No Next.

Despite being presented with a risk/reward ratio that raised concerns, Jordan’s confidence to play remained unshaken. ?Suppose you had a headache and I gave you ten pills. Nine could make it go away and one would kill you. Would you take the chance? asked the owner of the Chicago Bulls.

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The doctors said that the chances of Jordan getting a career-ending injury again is 10%, to which Jordan responded, ?9o-10, that’s good odds. I want to play.? Because he could not bear to be around other people playing, Jordan had to play to get over his dark period.

His bold choice was to play under the ‘Love of the Game’ clause. It allowed him to participate in pick-up games outside of official NBA matches, and further showcased Jordan’s commitment to the sport he cherished. His willingness to take risks and defy limitations set by standard NBA contracts exemplified his unparalleled dedication to the game of basketball.?