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CNN Live At Daybreak

Jordan Expected To Play For Wizards

Aired September 11, 2001 - 08:17   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: So if you're a Washington Wizards fan, or heck, if you're an NBA fan, you're probably having a heart attack this morning hearing that Michael Jordan is expected to return to the courts.

We're going to go to Washington, D.C. to WTTG reporter Audrey Barnes, who has been hearing it from the Street -- what are you hearing, Audrey?

AUDREY BARNES, WTTG REPORTER: Well, Carol, reporters from various media outlets stopped Michael Jordan outside his Chicago restaurant last night, and he all but confirmed that he did indeed plan to return to the basketball court wearing a Washington Wizards uniform. He says he'll make an official announcement sometime in the middle of next week.

Now, for the last five months, Michael has been putting himself through a very physical test. He's been scrimmaging with the likes of Penny Hardaway, Juwan Howard. He says there's a little bit of tendonitis in his right knee, but other than that, he is ready to go. And Michael says if he does return to basketball, it is because of the love of the game, not his ego and certainly not for money.

Now, the NBA is holding league meetings in Orlando on September 20, and Michael Jordan is expected to announce his intentions before that. If he should return to basketball, the Wizards say they are prepared for a flurry of last-minute ticket purchases. Also plans are already in the works to televise as many as Wizards games as possible.

Reporting live from the MCI Center -- Carol, back to you.

LIN: Yes, you can bet on that, Audrey -- thanks so much. Audrey Barnes standing outside the MCI Center where we're expecting Michael might be playing soon.

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