The entire nation watched in disbelief and shock as terrorists on this day in 2001, September 11, ruined the lives of thousands in the most gruesome attack against the United States of America since Pearl Harbour. It was a time when the nation needed to come together and heal, and in a way of demonstrating the power of love, NBA legend Michael Jordan made a gesture that is worth remembering.
Michael Jordan had retired from the league, for the second time, only to reveal before the 2001-02 season that he plans on playing for the Washington Wizards. Then when the disaster happened, he announced that he would be giving out his entire annual salary which was $1,000,000 to aid the victims and their families, according to a report by CNN.
Obviously our country has changed forever, but nothing has changed more than the lives of the families of the victims of this tragedy. This fund is one of several wonderful efforts that will benefit the victims of the September 11th attacks.
Michael Jordan said
“Obviously our country has changed forever, but nothing has changed more than the lives of the families of the victims of this tragedy.”
2 weeks later, Michael Jordan came out the retirement to play for the Washington Wizards.
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11… pic.twitter.com/Y8Oy4Q4pxR
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Furthermore, children who lost parents in the tragedy received $100,000 from his salary while the rest was for other relief efforts. Additionally, Abe Pollin, owner of the Wizards created a special fund, that was named the Washington Entertainment Education Fund, to assist with the relief.
His Airness’ time with the Wizards saw him score his 30,000 career points. He also averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in the 142 games he played for them.
Michael Jordan being bullied in his early college days, revealed by former star
Before his fame and legendary status were acquired, Michael Jordan had to deal with a lot of challenges. Particularly, one he faced during his time at the University of North Carolina at the hands of UNC star Al Wood, who saw him as an easy target.
As narrated by Al Wood, MJ was still on the path of getting fully into his time with the college basketball team and was being picked on. But all that changed during his sophomore season as he witnessed a more aggressive player who stood up for himself.
I can remember him as a freshman, we played pickup games, I’d hit him with elbow, and I’d bang him. And I could see some of the timidness. But by the time he got to be a sophomore, I can remember playing against him. He hit me one time. I elbowed him in the chest, and he turned around and elbowed me right back in the chest and said, ‘I’m not scared of you anymore.’
Al Wood said about Michael Jordan in an old interview from the archives
That season saw a different MJ as he finished the season with 20.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. This was the catapult he needed as he declared for the NBA Draft afterwards and went on to achieve celestial heights.
