Quitter Jordan is at it again (Quitting)

This isn't the first no-show/quick exit he's pulled on his Nike Asia Appearances this year. He's ticked off quite a large number of people with these disappearing acts.

Evan

 

The article states the event was cancelled by authorities due to overwelming numbers of fans. For me anyway - that doesn't add to the case that Jordan's a quitter.

Furthermore in defense of Jordan - a strong case can be made that in the Washington scenario Jordan was the one railroaded - certainly they drilled him financially - selling out the stadium for two years while he worked for the vet minimum! - then stiffing him when it was time to take his share.

Additionally many good men have failed as husbands - it is not necessarily the same as failing as a father - if he is a dead beat dad - that's another thing - but I don't think that case has been made.

I could go on - but please - leave the man alone - he is no saint - but he's the farthest thing from a quitter I know.

Here's the article...

Fans upset over Jordan's no-show
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-05-20 09:28



The Beijing Dongdan Sports Centre was left in a mess yesterday - flowers were stepped on, a car was damaged, a sidewalk was blocked...

That chaos made Michael Jordan's first public appearance in Beijing of his 2004 Asian Tour into a no-show. Local police cancelled a donation ceremony for the Nike Basketball Park in the centre where Jordan was supposed to meet Chinese fans, making for a heart-breaking day for fans who wanted to catch a glimpse of the basketball legend.

Although he retired last year, Jordan is still hugely popular for hoop fans all over the world. His first tour of China will test his popularity among Chinese fans.

As early as 7 am yesterday, three hours before the scheduled time, the centre's basketball courts were surrounded by hundreds of young people, who were waiting to see Jordan.

"I'm here to see him, the basketball god in my heart," said a 14-year-old Jordan fan wearing the jersey with the legendary No 23. "Seeing him by myself once is worth getting up as early as five in the morning."

An hour later some teenagers started to climb up to the top of the high enclosed fence that surrounds the basketball courts to get a better view of the superstar. The rest of the fans were crowded layer upon layer outside the enclosure.

Some of them began to rip down advertising billboards that were blocking their view.

Holding huge posters of Jordan outside the stadium, the fanatical crowds were shouting Jordan's name loudly when the organizers declared that the basketball legend would arrive in 10 minutes.

But the potential danger of the chaos outside the stadium frightened the police and led to the event being cancelled.

"We have to ensure the security of all these fans," said one of the police officials. "Nobody knows what will happen if Jordan shows up here."

But the fans were deeply hurt.

"I'm so disappointed," said a young boy. "Only a glimpse of him would have been enough, but I saw nothing after a long wait."

"I don't want to miss such a precious opportunity to see my idol with my own eyes," said another fan. "I still hope to get a chance to see him before he leaves."

Long after the cancellation of the event, there were still hundreds of upset fans gathered outside the stadium and even at the gate of the St. Regis Hotel, where Jordan is staying, to express their eagerness of seeing their favourite.

Since arriving in Beijing late Monday, Jordan has kept his schedule in China a secret to avoid scrutiny from the media and fans alike.

Most of people have only seen him on the CCTV news when he met with Yuan Weimin, director of the State General Administration of Sports yesterday, which was far from enough to meet their hopes of meeting Jordan themselves.

Only a few lucky fans saw Jordan yesterday afternoon when he visited the Great Wall.

Some fans even broke into tears while seeing Jordan for the first time.

"It is the happiest time in my life," said an excited fan. "I still don't know if I'm in a dream now."

Today, Jordan will continue his China tour with a press conference in the morning and presenting awards at the 2004 China High School Basketball League Final in the afternoon.

 

Jordan = Overrated


To me, anyway.

 

1. 
   
   Well, I don't agree with this; he was never good enough to even reach AAA.
   
   He sure did give the city of Birmingham one heck of a summer 10 years ago. There was just an entire Sunday sports section of the Birmingham News devoted to his summer entitled: "Our Summer with Michael".
   
   It was a great story and the consensus around here was how in the hell did the world's most recognizable athlete decide to play minor league ball in Birmingham of all places??? (yes, i know it's the AA affiliate, but it's still a complete shock).
   
   Jordan single handedly set attendance records for the Barons and the rest of the Southern League that will NEVER AGAIN be matched.
   
   
   This story is baseless because, in my opinion, when was the last time you heard of Jordan doing promos like this and showing up -- you don't because he does soooo many promotional appearances because he is still unarguably the most marketable person on this earth.
   
   And continuing on montevideo's mention of Jordan playing for the minimum in DC; he actually played for FREE -- he donated both year's salaries to 9/11 victims. It's probably insignificant to most people because he still does make millions every day signing endorsements.
   
   And he shouldn't be blamed for anything in DC; it was completely Abe Pollin's doing.

 

That article was a month old.

It sux for the fans that went out and see him, but I thought it was the local police that cancelled it, why is Jordan getting egg on his face.

I do understand how the fans feel though, I waited since 4 a.m. to get Clinton Tickets with my friends when he came to speak at U.T. I'd be very upset if I didn't get to see him due to security reason.