
In episodes seven and eight of ESPN docuseries The Last Dance, it's referenced—then debunked—that Michael Jordan first retired in 1993 because of gambling (Jordan later returned to basketball after a stint with professional baseball). Jordan's father had been tragically murdered in August 1993, and Jordan's stated reason for leaving the sport was this, as well as his lack of interest in playing. But, throughout his long and storied career, questions about his gambling have remained. Jordan has stated he doesn't have a gambling problem, countering instead: "I have a competition problem." The series dives deep into Jordan's competitive nature in just about everything (and, BTW, is a terrific watch even if you don't like sports)—but here's the context on where those rumors came from.
Jordan does have a well-established history as someone who likes to bet, both small and large. As early as high school, he apparently wrote to his prom date about a bet they'd made. In college, a check that Jordan wrote after losing at pool went up for auction. Once he got to the NBA, he bet—often very large sums—with anyone who'd play with him. He bet on the Jumbotron cartoon races with stadium security guards and on cards with teammates like Scottie Pippen.
When Jordan, seemingly at the top of his career, retired in 1993, he explained that "the desire isn’t there," that there wasn’t "anything else to prove."
Michael Jordan announces his retirement at a jam-packed press conference.
Despite his (absolutely justified) reasoning that his personal tragedy led to his taking a break, unsubstantiated theories remained. Per Sports Illustrated, Jordan "admitted to incurring substantial losses from gambling," and the NBA appointed a former federal judge, Frederick Lacey, to look into Jordan's bets.
Legal gambling isn't prohibited by the NBA; the problem is that Jordan didn't disclose some of his bets. Jordan had to testify about a check he wrote gambler/alleged drug dealer "Slim" Bouler for $57,000. (He admitted it was a gambling debt over golf.) Richard Esquinas wrote a 1993 book called Michael and Me: Our Gambling Addiction...My Cry for Help. He alleged that Jordan owed him $1.25 million from golf bets, and that the two settled for a lesser sum. Jordan denied the claims entirely—and he wouldn't have been charged with more than a misdemeanor if Esquinas had been correct—but at Hilton Head, where a lot of the golf was played, it's technically illegal to gamble.
The NBA ended up clearing Jordan of wrongdoing. Apparently, Jordan did continue to bet, including on card games, and even publicly betted on providing a basketball camp with free sneakers.
That time @CP3 bet Michael Jordan if he missed three shots then his whole basketball camp gets free Jordans. 😂 #TBT pic.twitter.com/aUrNtTU39DJanuary 31, 2019
But he's mostly kept it out of the limelight since.
WATCH 'THE LAST DANCE' ON ESPN+
Shop Air Jordans
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
The Perfumer Behind Last Year's Most Talked-About Fragrance Just Released Another Perfect Scent
Aqua Media Cologne forte embodies a feeling of balance and harmony.
By Deena Campbell
-
'Yellowface' Is Our June Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from R.F. Kuang's latest novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
I Scoured the Summer Runways—Here Are the Six Shoe Trends Actually Worth Buying
Hit the ground running this season.
By Emma Childs
-
Kim Cattrall Didn't See or Speak to Her Costars When Filming 'And Just Like That' Cameo
That's some type of commitment.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 80 Best K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
The Unstoppable Alia Bhatt
Bollywood’s silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started.
By Neha Prakash
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts