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CNN Live Saturday

Michael Jordan Returns to Chicago

Aired January 19, 2002 - 20:52   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: In the Windy City this afternoon, Michael Jordan made his first appearance in front of Chicago Bulls fans, wearing a different team's uniform. While the Washington Wizards were victorious, Jordan's overall performance was rather dismal.

CNNsi's John Giannone takes a look at his emotional return to United Center.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN GIANNONE, CNNSI CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He came as the city's icon; he saw a 90-second outpouring of love and appreciation. But on the court, Michael Jordan conquered nothing. More turnovers than field goals, more missed shots than rebounds. His Airness throwing air balls and fighting through stage fright.

MICHAEL JORDAN, PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER: It's tough for me to play. I had a tough time playing against Chicago tonight, you know, because it's almost like I'm playing against someone who -- it's like playing against a relative in a sense. You know, it's not as intensified, it's not -- you're not quite as motivated. You know -- you know, they gave me the highest respect. And thank God they cut the lights out.

DOUG COLLINS, WIZARDS HEAD COACH: How could you live in Chicago and not cheer Michael Jordan? I mean, what that man did for this organization and this city -- look at this building, look at those flags up there, and -- I mean, this guy is the greatest winner of all time. I mean, how could you not cheer him? And I knew the Bulls fans would. I knew they would -- they would probably still be cheering right now, had they not dimmed the lights.

JORDAN: I owe a lot of gratitude to this city, you know, for what they gave me, and the motivation of playing. And, you know, here I am, I'm playing against their team, in a sense. And -- so it was a tough night.

GIANNONE: Jordan spent a week downplaying his homecoming, even telling Chicago fans to focus their fervor on the Bears. But then he summoned the focus to play all but seven minutes; an indication that the thirst for victory here hasn't quite been quenched.

JORDAN: I know I'm not this type of player I was in '98, but we're surviving. My purpose is to try to help the franchise understand what winning is all about. And sometimes it's, you know, it's a little bit different expectations, you know, for me.

TYRONN LUE, WIZARDS GUARD: I think it meant a lot to him to come here and get a win. So, you know, the guys laid it out on the line and tried to get a win as best we could for MJ.

JORDAN: Sure, everybody would love to live those golden years. I'm pretty sure you guys would love to be a couple of pounds lighter. But, I mean, obviously, we live -- we live at this stage and we adjust and we make a -- you know, we just try to find ways to suffice.

GIANNONE (on camera): So on a forgettable day in which the Wizards turned the ball over 25 times, Jordan was quick to remind and congratulate his teammates for their 19th win this season, a total that equaled last year's output.

When Jordan was asked after the game why his old nemesis and Bulls' GM Jerry Krauss wasn't in attendance, Jordan laughed and said, "I guess he had something better to do."

In Chicago, I'm John Giannone.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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