Despite Ailing With a Career-Threatening Surgery, Michael Jordan at Age 38 Felt ?Used? by an NBA Team That Eventually Fired Him

Michael Jordan had a stellar NBA career, with his prime years in the 90s. The six-time NBA champion led the Chicago Bulls to a three-peat twice in the span of eight years. At that point in time, His Airness and success were just walking hand in hand. However, MJ had also hit a couple of speed bumps in his career.

His decision to abruptly retire in 1993 shocked the entire sports community. While he took a two-year hiatus from the court, Jordan was testing out his skills in baseball.

However, things took a different turn when the baseball strike occurred in 1995. MJ came out of retirement and returned to the league in the same year. Additionally, he led the Bulls to their second three-peat from 1996-98. Jordan retired again in 1999, only to return in the next year, as the part owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards.

While he was performing his tasks as the president, MJ seemed to have a difficult time staying away from the court. Because of this, in 2001, he announced that he would be returning to the court again.

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Jordan returned to the court but not as a Chicago Bulls player this time. While he was working his magic as a Wizards player, the owner of the franchise, Abe Pollin fired Jordan from his post as president. The following year, Jordan underwent knee surgery after which his career as a basketball player was at risk. He subsequently retired for a third and final time at age 40 in 2003.

Michael Jordan gets fired from the front office

In an interview with CBS’ ’60 Minutes’,?Michael Jordan opened up about the time he was fired by the owner of the Washington Wizards. Jordan said that he was shocked and had no idea that he would be fired. He reportedly felt that it was unfair as he had played despite his injury and performed better than most players.

“I didn’t have to do it [start playing again]. But I did it with the benefit of trying to help an organization get back on its feet. And the gratitude that was given? It was, ‘your service is no longer wanted or needed.’ So I felt like I was used in a sense,”?said Jordan.

Furthermore, Jordan added that the young players were being paid more than they are supposed to. He said that they were given things they hadn’t earned, thus affecting their work ethic.

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