NEWSLETTER
Michael Jordan wasn’t in attendance for Thursday night’s first-ever Ring of Honor Gala. To make up for his absence, the GOAT shared a video with the organization ahead of the week’s festivities.
Thanking Michael and Jerry Reinsdorf, Jordan shared his dismay for not being able to celebrate with his former teammates:
“I want to congratulate all the other recipients. I am so bummed that I can’t be there tonight, but I don’t want to stop the fun that you guys can have. Believe me, I am very grateful [and] very honored. You guys have supported me ever since I stepped foot in Chicago.
And, even today, I see a lot of Chicago fans all over, so I think we made an impression and changed what Chicago represents in terms of champions. Every time you look up in the rafters, I want you to always remember where we were and where we are. And we are always going to be champions …
I will always be a Chicago Bull. I want them to continue to do well. I’d like to see other banners in the rafters, and I hope the city can always be proud of the Chicago Bulls.”
As hollow as it feels to not have the biggest name in franchise history in town for the festivities, I’m glad he at least shared some heartfelt words with the city. Jordan will forever be a global phenomenon, but there is no denying his bond with Chicago will remain something special.
Unless the GOAT shocks the United Center, the Ring of Honor celebration will continue without him during a halftime ceremony this evening. Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen have also yet to show face, but other notable names like Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Artis Gilmore, and Bob Love are already in Chicago and attended the gala.
For more on the Ring of Honor, check out the website here. You can also watch Jordan’s full video message below:
