Late Father James? Words Backed Michael Jordan on How Mental Health Played a Role in His First Retirement

NBA legend Michael Jordan is arguably the best basketball player ever. Fans around the world loved him for his dominance on the court. Jordan possessed a killer instinct which is very rare that came in handy in crunch time. His teammates and the fans knew he would come up with something to help the team. Fans adored his mental strength. However, he reportedly struggled with mental health as well which led him to shockingly announce his retirement after winning three straight titles.

The life of an NBA superstar comes with its ups and downs. With his superstardom came some enormous responsibilities. Many children looked up to Jordan, so he tried to be on his best behavior and be a role model. He is also someone who would get worried about what people would think of him. And this brought huge pressure on himself as he tried to be perfect.

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In 1993, Jordan’s father James Jordan Sr. was shockingly murdered. A few months later, MJ announced his retirement from the NBA stating he lost the desire to play the game. And he decided to try his hands at baseball which was something he used to discuss with his father.

Michael Jordan discussed retiring from basketball with his father

Michael Jordan and James Jordan Sr. would discuss retiring early and trying baseball. Jordan was very close to his father who once talked about his son’s mental health in 1993.

?He knows he?s in the fishbowl under the microscope, but you should have some movement that?s not guarded all the time. You just have to say, hey, this guy?s human. I mean, what is enough? ? Pretty soon, when you keep tipping the bucket up, there?s not going to be anything in there after a while. You?re going to pour it all out. And that?s what we should start realizing as fans,? James said.

After announcing his retirement, Jordan started playing minor-league baseball. Even though he had an opportunity to play for a major league team, MJ opted for the minor league. Because he wanted to earn his spot.

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Fans would come in huge numbers to watch the superstar play baseball. He was not great, but he was committed to getting better every day. Then things changed because of the Major League Baseball strike in 1995. Jordan then decided to come back to the Bulls but lost to the Orlando Magic in the playoffs.

In his first full season back, Jordan led the Bulls to the title, and it fell on Father’s day. He then led them to another three-peat and then retired for the second time in 1998.