    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [January 13, 1999]
    [Page 38]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Retirement of Michael Jordan
    January 13, 1999

        Today's retirement announcement by Michael Jordan marks a sad day
    for all those who love basketball and for sports fans around the world.
    In his many years on the court, Michael brought superhuman skill and
    unmatched athleticism, competitive fire, dedication, and teamwork to the
    all-American sport he loves. Like those other American pioneers, the
    Wright brothers, Michael Jordan proved that humans can indeed fly.
        Beyond his uncanny ability to defy gravity or hit the crucial shot
    when everything depended on it, Michael showed generations of young
    sports fans how to be a good person while being a great champion.
    Although we will miss seeing him play, we know at least that his career
    ended exactly as it should have, with one last game-winning basket to
    bring the Chicago Bulls their sixth championship.
        As a daughter of Chicago, Hillary
    is especially sorry to see him go. We wish Michael, Juanita, and their family all the best in the future.

    Note: This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    as a statement by the President and the First Lady.