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CNN Live At Daybreak

Wizards May Play Michael Jordan

Aired September 11, 2001 - 07:08   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.
VINCE CELLINI, CNN ANCHOR: And of course we're talking about the Michael Jordan comeback a huge story in particular in our nation's capital, where he will play for the Washington Wizards. Let's see how it's playing out there.

Reporter Nancy Weiner of CNN affiliate WJLA is there at a diner, no less, in the nation's capital -- Nancy, what's the feedback you're getting there?

NANCY WEINER, WJLA CORRESPONDENT: Well, Vince, a lot of Washingtonians are telling us they feel like they have won the lottery. As you may know, the Wizards didn't have quite a stellar year last year. And so when Jordan first announced that he would become a part owner people were thrilled. Now that it turns out that he will almost certainly become a player, they are ecstatic.

We have been here at Bob & Edith's in Arlington all morning long talking to people who say they are so happy they are more than welcoming him to this team.

And come down here because I want to introduce you to actually two people who say he shouldn't come back for sentimental reasons.

First, we've got Mark Reed (ph) from Temple Hills. Mark, why shouldn't he come back if he wants to?

MARK REED: Basketball season is a long season. Games are 48 minutes and he's going to have to chase guys like Goby Brian (ph) around. Michael needs to stay out.

WEINER: Now he says even though he's 38 years old he's feeling like he's in good enough shape to come down and I'm sure a lot of Wizards fans would agree with him. But you stick firm.

REED: Yes. He, 38 years old, tired legs, young legs he's going to chase? Nah.

WEINER: No?

REED: Nah.

WEINER: I want to introduce you to Pat Pietro (ph). He's from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Pat, what do you think? PAT PIETRO: I think he should go out and stay out. He's on top and, you know, he's suffering injuries now and he's not going to get any better. He's just going to be suffering a little bit more.

WEINER: Ironically, a number of people who like Michael Jordan so much they want him to leave on an up note. However, I should tell you, Vince, in fairness to his Airness that a number of people who we've spoken to this morning say they are thrilled that he's coming back, they think he can make a great comeback, especially since he made such a phenomenal comeback the first time.

CELLINI: All right, thank you very much, Nancy Weiner. Interesting reaction out of Washington, D.C. there. You know, stay away, this for a team that won only 19 games last year. I think Michael can be a great addition for the team and certainly for the league. Don't challenge him. One thing we've learned over the years, you challenge Michael Jordan you're challenging the wrong person. I think he'll answer.

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