Bulls fans may have noticed a change in SportsChannel’s coverage of the team this year.
Right after the game, Michael Jordan is interviewed by SportsChannel’s sideline reporter. Michael assesses the game, answers a few questions and then heads for the locker room. As he leaves, a logo flashes on the screen, and an announcer says: “This `Minute With Michael’ has been sponsored by British Airways.”
It is no understatement to say that virtually every aspect of a Bulls game is tied to some sort of advertisement, and the “Minute With Michael” is the latest commercial tie-in to what was once just a basketball game. What next? What activity of Michael’s has not been sponsored? Perhaps it is just a matter of time before we see:
– “Chevrolet is a proud sponsor of Michael’s pre-game slap of talcum powder in Johnny Kerr’s face.”
– “Michael’s ceremonial removal of his warmup suit after the Bulls introduction has been brought to you by Bigsby & Kruthers.”
– “This latest Michael Jordan alley-oop, `Space Jam Dunk,’ was sponsored by Warner Bros.”
– “Michael’s tongue hangout on that last drive to the hoop was sponsored by thirst-quenching Gatorade.”
– “This close-up shot of Michael wiping his forehead with a towel has been brought to you by McDonald’s.”
– “AND NOW . . . SPONSORED BY NIKE . . . FROM NORTH CAROLINA . . . 6 FOOT 6 . . . MICHAEL JORDAN!!”
