Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf issued a statement in response to Sam Smith’s Wednesday column reporting that the Bulls’ $30 million offer to Michael Jordan last year was in response to an offer from the New York Knicks.
“I was shocked by the article in the Chicago Tribune suggesting that last year’s negotiation between the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan might have been contentious. This claim is blatantly false, as is the premise on which it is based.
“To the contrary, negotiations with Michael Jordan have always been amicable, and last year’s salary figure was mutually agreed upon in less than one hour of discussion. We made Michael the highest-paid athlete in the history of team sports because of the contributions he has made to the Bulls, to the game in general and to the fans of Chicago, not because of some supposed threat he might go elsewhere.
“The implication that Michael Jordan wants to wear anything other than a Bulls uniform is ludicrous, and it is an insult to both the Bulls’ organization and to Michael himself, especially since he has always made it clear that Chicago is the only place he wants to play.
“I am a Michael Jordan fan, and have always worked comfortably with him and his agent, David Falk, to assure that he is deservedly rewarded. Those who contend otherwise are creating a fabrication that is in no way related to the actual facts of the matter.”
