Competitive spirit still alive in MJ

On my television, there was nothing but Michael Jordan-related programming watched Friday afternoon.

Even all Facebook status updates were tied to His Airness, and any of the 207 friends that receive my updates can back that up.

It’s finally official: Michael Jordan can now put the words Hall of Famer in front of his name.

The day itself was historic, as Sept. 11, 2009 was the eight-year anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks. But I’ll always remember that day — and specifically the night before — differently than most people.

News broke Sept. 10, 2001 that Jordan was expected to announce his return to the game of basketball the next day. I vividly remember watching KCAL9 excited because that’s the effect basketball, and sports in general, has always had in my life.

But obviously, much more important events took myself and the entire world by surprise that day.

Eight years later, Jordan again took a backseat but it wasn’t as directly obvious or Earth shattering. It was in his acceptance speech and his ability to remember minor details, stories and people that fueled his competitive spirit.

The tributes started, fittingly, with longtime teammate Scottie Pippen. Without hesitation, Jordan pointed out how Pippen was visible in all the highlights the Hall of Fame and TV audience watched before he took the stage.

Jordan then recalled his early days and first encounter with soon-to-be college roommate Buzz Peterson; his relationships with coaches Dean Smith, Doug Collins and Phil Jackson; the feuds and friendly rivalries with the New York Knicks, Pat Riley, Charles Oakley, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and the rest of the challenges along the way.

He even took time to acknowledge, and not surprisingly dispute, his relationship with former Chicago Bulls general manager Jerry Krause. Jordan brought up the absurd notion Krause had: “Players don’t win championships; organizations do.”

The greatest player of all-time still displayed the stubborn attitude that helped him guide the Bulls to six NBA championships. Jordan even had fun with former Utah Jazz guard Bryon Russell, who is best known for being on the wrong end of Jordan’s final shot in a Chicago uniform.

“... I think I can shut you down ...,” he recalled Russell saying.

Just another person in the long line of foolish players who thought they could become the Jordan stopper.

He had a knack for leaving his audience wanting more and wondering whether he could still compete at the highest level. From his first, second and third retirement to the final words of his speech, the hints were always there.

Just before he walked off the stage, Jordan joked about possibly playing at 50, saying: “Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.”

Vintage MJ.