Because I want every kid to be viewed as a person rather than as a member of a certain race does not mean that I'm not black enough. . . . Do they want me to be positive just for black kids and negative for everybody else?

I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot... when you think about the consequences you always think of a negative result.

Being Michael Jordan means acting the same as I always have.

I'd like to be settled into somewhat of a normal life. Somewhat. I know it's never going to be completely normal.

I missed 9000 shots in my career, lost almost 300 games and missed the shot to win the game 26 times.

The NBA is the strongest professional sports league in the world. The league and the game is bigger than any one person, Michael Jordan included, and they always will be. I hope that today players, especially our young players, continue to recognize that simple fact. Nothing is more important than the game itself and the fans who support it.

The game of basketball has been everything to me. My place of refuge, place I've always gone where I needed comfort and peace. It's been the site of intense pain and the most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction. It's a relationship that has evolved over time, given me the greatest respect and love for the game.