Michael Jordan will not be attending the Bulls Ring of Honor ceremony that will be honoring him and 12 other nominees of the inaugural class for the organization.
However, Chicago Bulls shared a video message that Jordan made for the event.
“Good evening. I extend my gratitude to Jerry Reinsdorf and Michael Reinsdorf for initiating the Ring of Honor. Congratulations to all fellow recipients. It’s regrettable that I cannot join you tonight, but I don’t want that to dampen the enjoyment you all will experience.
I am sincerely thankful and deeply honored. To the fans who have supported me since my arrival in Chicago and continue to do so, you’ve left an enduring impact. Even today, I see Chicago fans everywhere, and I believe we’ve transformed what Chicago symbolizes as champions.
As you gaze up at the rafters, always remember our journey from where we started to where we are now. We will forever be champions. Thank you to the fans. Once again, my appreciation to Jerry Reinsdorf and Michael Reinsdorf for this recognition, and congratulations to the other deserving recipients.
I’m disappointed I can’t be present, but I will forever be a Chicago Bull, wishing them continued success. I hope to see more banners in the rafters, and may the city always take pride in the Chicago Bulls. Thank you very much, and have a wonderful evening.”
During his 13 seasons with the Bulls, Jordan secured six championships for Chicago, boasting a remarkable career with achievements such as 14-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 10-time scoring champion, five-time MVP, and six-time Finals MVP.
Speculation surrounded Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s attendance at the event, with their relationship facing strains in recent years due to factors like the controversial “The Last Dance” documentary and the relationship between Larsa Pippen (Pippen’s ex-wife) and Marcus Jordan (Jordan’s son).
This Friday, the Bulls will honor 13 players, coaches, and managers as part of the inaugural Ring of Honor class. Criteria for the first class included induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame or having a banner in the United Center rafters.
The distinguished class comprises Artis Gilmore, Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Johnny “Red” Kerr, Dick Klein, Jerry Krause, Toni Kukoc, Bob Love, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker, Tex Winter, and the 1995-96 team, which achieved a 72-10 record and won the 1996 NBA Championship.
These inductees will be celebrated with a special halftime presentation, each receiving a unique trophy designed by Victor Solomon, the artist responsible for the updates to the Larry O’Brien trophy and five other postseason trophies.
Leading up to the event, the Bulls enlisted several A-List celebrities to pen essays about each inductee for the Ring of Honor class. Notably, Barack Obama wrote about Jordan, and Eddie Vedder wrote about Dennis Rodman.