Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Jordan yet to announce decision
By Joseph White
Associated press

WASHINGTON — Michael Jordan will keep everyone waiting for at least another day.

“Michael has not finalized his decision,” said Estee Portnoy, vice president of marketing and client services for SFX, Jordan’s management agency.

“Nothing is going to be announced today,” she said Monday.

A statement from Jordan outlining the reasons for his comeback was being fine-tuned and won’t be released until Tuesday at the earliest.

For now, the question remains “When?” not “Will he?” And Jordan is not expected to give any detailed answers to the biggest question — “Why?” — until Oct. 1.

Jordan all but confirmed two weeks ago that he will play for the Washington Wizards this season, ending his three-year retirement.

But his comeback raises many questions.

Can Jordan keep his job as the Wizards’ president of basketball operations? The Washington Post, citing an anonymous league source, reported Monday that he must give up that position. Even so, who will be in charge when he’s on the court — Jordan or his hand-picked coach, Doug Collins? How will Jordan’s teammates handle sharing the court with him? Will any of them dare not pass the ball to someone who has the influence to trade or cut them?