    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 6, 1993]
    [Page 1698]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Retirement of Michael Jordan From the Chicago Bulls
    October 6, 1993

        As a sports fan who has had the great pleasure of watching Michael
    Jordan play basketball since the early 1980's, I was saddened to hear
    his announcement today that he was retiring from the game. But, I think
    we can all understand his wish to take his leave and devote himself to
    more private concerns.
        We will miss him, here and all around America, in every small-town
    backyard and paved city lot where kids play one-on-one and dream of
    being like Mike.
        His gift to us all has been in giving everything he had game after
    game, year in and year out. It has been our privilege for the last
    decade to see him gracing the hardwood, lighting up our TV screens, and
    brightening the lives of the young at heart all around the world.
        I want to wish Michael and his family the very best. I know that the
    past several months have been difficult ones, and I hope that he can
    enjoy the peace of mind that he richly deserves.