NBA legend Michael Jordan has already made an image as an avid gambler and casino-goer during his playing days. However, unknown to many, his affinity for gambling was the reason for the postponement of a press conference that he was set to have upon making his second return to the league in 2001.
Former NBA veteran Antoine Walker retold the story on how he teamed up with Jordan. Their pairing even became down $900,000 at one point which led to Michael Jordan shelling out $500,000. Walker claimed that they almost managed to take it all back but still concluded the night with a six-digit loss on the table.
“What made it even more interesting, it was the day he actually was supposed to make his announcement he was officially coming back. He canceled the press conference, everything. We played for 36 hours, man,” Walker recalled.
Via All Things Covered on YouTube:
After the postponement, the Bulls icon eventually announced his second return to the league on Sept. 25, 2001, as a member of the Washington Wizards. Michael Jordan had a short-lived stint in D.C. was reportedly made to raise additional funds for the victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center incident.
Despite playing at an advanced age of 38, Jordan still managed to put on a show as he averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists through two campaigns with the Wizards. However, the lowly team didn't attain much success with Jordan at the helm as they settled for a combined 74-90 record in a span of two seasons.
Antoine Walker's story definitely showed Michael Jordan's passion for gambling and how he didn't let anything get in the way, even his much-awaited press conference. Certainly enough, Jordan wouldn't care for the six-digit losses that he incurred back then as he is still worth well over $1.6 billion in 2021.
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