While the circumstances caused Michael Jordan to miss NHL icon Chris Chelio’s special event, he made it up to his friend in another way. As the Chicago Blackhawks honor the 3x Stanley Cup champion in the United Center, Michael Jordan sent him heartfelt words through a video message. The message aired before Sunday’s game between the Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings.

Jordan filmed the video that aired on the jumbotron at a golf course. But golf is not the reason he’s MIA. He explained that he couldn’t personally attend the event of the Blackhawks retiring Chelios’ No.7 jersey due to a death in his family.

“Hey man, unfortunately, Chelios, I can’t make it again this week. I tried for the ring of honor. I couldn’t make it then. I had a death in the family for Sunday, but look, you’re very deserving, man. And I’m very proud to see your jersey up there with my jersey. You know, you and I have been friends for almost 30 years,” Jordan said in the video.

Both Chicago icons have been friends since their playing careers coincided in the United Center. Chelios previously stated on a Chicago radio station that Jordan was scheduled to appear in person. Circumstances obviously changed.

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Chelios had others who made it to the jersey retirement. They included Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, and Brent Seabrook. This is the second major event this year that Jordan has only ‘virtually’ attended.

The last United Center event MJ skipped

The Chicago Bulls’ inaugural Ring of Honor took place in January. Michael Jordan was of course among the honorees along with Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Phil Jackson, and others. The ceremony didn’t go as well as people expected, though.

Given tensions between Pippen and Jordan, it was sorely disappointing that both skipped the event along with Rodman. All three sent in their regrets through video messages. Only Rodman blamed his absence on bad weather. MJ and the Pip didn’t offer any reason. Moreover, the late Jerry Krause’s memory was soured after the United Center crowd booed his widow and reduced her to tears. Fans blamed the shameful incident on Michael Jordan’s The Last Dance.

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Fans were dismayed by Jordan and Pippen skipping the event. But tonight, his absence took nothing away from Chris Chelios, who was the definite star of the night.

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