Michael Jordan Skipped Chris Chelios' Jersey Retirement Due To Death In His Family

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Bulls legend Michael Jordan wanted to attend the jersey retirement of his fellow Chicago legend, Chris Chelios, this week — but he was a last-minute scratch due to a “death in the family.” According to a statement, Jordan planned to attend the event in person but he had to resort to making a video instead after an unforeseen tragedy struck his family.

“Hey, man, unfortunately, Chelios, I can’t make it again this week,” Jordan said in a video on the golf course. “I tried for the Ring of Honor. I couldn’t make it then. I had a death in the family on Sunday. Look, you’re a very deserving man, and I’m proud to see your jersey up there with my jersey. You and I have been friends for 30 years, so I wish you the best. I send a bunch of love, you know, go Blackhawks!”

Chelios joined Jordan this week as one of 15 people to have their jersey in the rafters of United Center, and he’s now just the 8th Blackhawk in history to have earned the honor.

As arguably the most influential Chicago sports star, Jordan’s presence at the event would have no doubt been felt by Chelios and the fans, but the legendary athletes have been friends for over 30 years now and the former Blackhawks star already confirmed that everything is all good between him and No. 23.

“I saw him a couple of weeks ago and we talked,” Chelios said. “It doesn’t matter. He’s here in spirit. I’m hanging in the rafters with his jersey. We talked about that. We spoke yesterday and he’s always been there for me. He was there for the Hall of Fame, he came in. Just something came up and we’ll celebrate on his boat next week.”

Of course, Jordan’s absence doesn’t mean that there were no former Bulls in attendance. Dennis Rodman was watching from the sidelines and he was the life of the party all night long, earning a shoutout from Chelios himself.

As for Michael, while he may no longer be active on the court, he’s still got a lot going on, whether it’s being there for his family, running his many businesses, or keeping his competitive spirit alive on the golf course. When he has the time, he’ll also pay homage to his fellow sports legends who shaped Chicago just like he did back in the day.

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