Michael Jordan always tried to help people however he could, sometimes getting out of his way to reach his goal. His Airness starred in many of these moments, especially during his active days, even helping one fan to make a lot of money after winning a competition.
Back in 1993, one fan found himself in a privileged position, having the chance to make a life-altering shot and winning a huge prize. Don Calhoun, a then 23-year-old office supply salesman, was selected to attempt a shot that would give him $1 million if he made it.
Calhoun took this opportunity, the shot, and sank it 75 feet away from the rim in front of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson and the legendary Chicago Bulls.
This situation appeared very great for Calhoun, but after he made the shot and was congratulated by Jordan himself, who told him, ‘Great shot, kid,’ the fan had to endure a complex journey to get his money.
“Jordan, smiling in a child-like way I’ve never seen on the court, threw both arms around his neck and squeezed,” Michael Wilbon wrote at the time.
Not everybody thought he would make it, and the shoes he was wearing at the time played a big role in his selection to take this shot.
It had to be the shoes.
📸 Sports Illustrated, April 26, 1993. pic.twitter.com/N8FMbUWcdV
— NBA Cobwebs (@NBACobwebs) April 14, 2022
The media started reporting that Calhoun wouldn’t get his money since the insurance company didn’t want to honor the prize. This prompted the Chicago Bulls to hold a news conference where they announced that Calhoun would get his money.
“It is unclear at this time whether the company that insured the event will pay on the policy,” a joint statement read. “However, regardless of its decision, [restaurant group] Lettuce Entertain You, Coca-Cola (Foundation) and the Chicago Bulls will honor the $1 million award and ensure that this event has a happy ending.”
Instead of getting $1 million straightforward, he ended up getting 20 annual payments. As soon as this was announced, he got his first check for $50,000.
Michael Jordan And Chicago Bulls Teammates Helped Calhoun Get His Money
A couple of weeks after the press conference, Calhoun would find the real reason why he got paid. Calhoun never had the chance to meet Jordan after he made that shot, and he made sure to know His Airness no matter what. After learning MJ attended his kid’s games at a local school, Calhoun tried to get Jordan’s autograph at any cost.
After security didn’t let him go through, at the end of that game, he was asked to come to the stands and talk with the GOAT. Jordan did remember him and wanted to know one thing.
“Did you get your money?” Jordan asked.
After Calhoun revealed the deal he had, MJ revealed that he and his teammates played a role in that, putting pressure on the Bulls to let the man get his money after he made that incredible shot.
“We made them give it to you,” Jordan said, as quoted by ESPN. “We were upset that they were trying to not pay you.”
Jordan has been criticized for his personality on the court, but nobody can deny he was always a kind person to fans. He always gave his everything on the court to put up a show for the people that came to see him play. He once took this kid to the Chicago Bulls legend and played with him.
Even after his retirement, he kept giving back to the community, even donating to hospitals for the less fortunate. There’s no doubt that he cared about people, those who saved up money to go see him. This is proof that MJ was much more than a great basketball player and a fierce competitor that always tried to beat his rivals.
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