An Untriumphant Return by Adam GALLANT

On Saturday, January 19, 2002 a sports event of the most substantial degree took place in Chicago as Michael Jordan returned to the United Center to play against the Chicago Bulls.

Wait a minute, didn’t this guy already retire like twice? Well he’s back again for another swing around the league before he hangs it up for a third time which will no doubt be at the end of this season if his new team, the Washington Wizards, don’t make the playoffs.

Jordan fought back tears as the fans gave him a booming, three- minute ovation before the game. As announcer Ray Clay introduced Jordan before the game, the sellout crowd stood and started clapping and scream- ing. At first, he tried to ignore it, look- ing down at his blue-and-white Air Jordans and chewing on his lip.

As the ovation continued, Jordan finally looked up. His eyes filled with tears and he glanced around the arena that will always be home no matter where he’s playing. He gave a shaky smile and waved at the fans, who adore him for the six titles he won with the Bulls even if he’s no longer wearing that familiar red-and-black No. 23. Unfortunately this will be the only memory Jordan and the fans of Chicago will cherish about his return. He had a terrible game with a career- high nine turnovers, and was 7-of-21 from the floor for 16 points.

The Wizards were able to hold

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Michael Jordan in between filming ads and dating Bugs Bunny.

on to defeat the hapless Bulls 77-69 earning their 19th victory of the sea- son, matching their total from last sea- son.

After the game Jordan talked about his “un-Jordan-like” perform- ANCE.

“When the crowd started that whole thing, it made it tough for me to play. I had a tough time playing against Chicago. It’s like playing a rel- ative, in a sense. It’s not as intense; you’re not quite as motivated.”

Chicago wasn’t any better, threatening the NBA record for lowest field-goal percentage. The Bulls shot just 24.7 percent, just shy of the NBA low of 22.9 shot by Milwaukee against Minneapolis on Nov. 6, 1954. The Bulls set a franchise record for worst shooting percentage in a half, manag- ing just 16.7 percent in the first half.

Chris Whitney led the Wizards with 20 points, with 10 of those com- ing on free throws in the final minute. Popeye Jones had 14 rebounds for the Wizards.

“It wasn’t kind of ugly; it was real ugly,” said Washington head coach Doug Collins, who coached the Bulls from 1986-89.

In the end though, the game didn’t matter. The fans of Chicago got what they wanted: another opportunity to cheer for their hero who brought them so many positive memories over the years. Jordan may not play in Chicago anymore but he will always be a Bull in the hearts of millions, including his own.

Come and celebrate — with Alexander Keiths.

ee ee

Geers te

friday, jan 25

Regie reac

sunday, jan 27 monday, jan 28

tuesday, jan 29

Baba’s: Free Space Myron’s: Greg Doucette

Baba’s Lounge: Free Space _ Myron’s: Big City Olde Dublin Pub: Boys in the Kitchen

Baba’s Lounge: Eyes for Telescopes The Barn: Negative J

Melons: Monkey Dust

Myron’s: Joey Kitson

Olde Dublin Pub: Boys in the Kitchen

Baba’s Lounge: Port Citizen Harp and Thistle: Scott Parsons Melons: Flush

Myron’s: Big City Olde Dublin Pub: Boys in the Kitchen

Plenary. More plenary.

Baba’s Lounge: Rattlesnakin Daddies

Those who like it. like it a lot.

Three, three topprag pizzas