Michael Jordan once FORCED the Bulls to pay $1,000,000 to a fan
On April 14, 1993, Don Calhoun entered Chicago lore with the "Million Dollar Shot."
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Michael Jordan (Credits: ESPN)
In a display of support for a fan who had encountered difficulties with an insurance company, Michael Jordan took a stance and urged the Chicago Bulls organization to intervene. Jordan prompted the team to hold a news conference, publicly announcing that the fan would receive the compensation he deserved
In 1993, the league hosted the American Express ‘One Million Dollar Shot‘. A side event that grew to be a massive hit among the fans, the event promised the winner of the event one million dollars if they could stroke in a shot from halfcourt. Although the event became a fan favorite, the sponsors were not expecting anyone to win the event until one guy did it.
Amidst thousands of fans in attendance, a fortunate individual named Don Calhoun emerged as the chosen contestant for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was during a Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game. As halftime arrived, Michael Jordan’s stellar performance against the Heat made it an opportune moment to introduce the exhilarating million-dollar shot promotion. The event boasted such a huge amount due to the unlikeliness of the shot even hitting the rim.
The event was hosted 19 times, and only two managed even to hit the backboard. But Calhoun did the impossible when he sank a half-court 80-foot long shot for a million dollars. The crowd burst out in cheers, with the entire Bulls team running toward the 23-year-old. Even the referee joined in on the celebration.
In a disappointing turn of events, the insurance company responsible for the million-dollar shot promotion found a loophole that allowed them to avoid paying Don Calhoun his rightful prize money. The news upset fans so much that the Bulls were forced to hold a news conference. A few days later, it was announced that the Bulls would end up paying Calhoun his prize money.
The Chicago Bulls players, especially Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, reportedly brought about the change of heart. Jordan passed on answering questions about Calhoun, and the Bulls have also remained silent about it ever since.
How did Calhoun find out about Michael Jordan’s involvement?
Don Calhoun was a native resident of Chicago, growing up in the state of Illinois. His million-dollar shot spiked his reputation, and he became a hometown hero. However, the lucky fan never knew why the Bulls even decided to change their mind in the first place, given that he played for a college before, which was a clear violation of the insurance policy.
A year later, after the fateful event, Calhoun got the news that Jordan would be coming to one of his son’s games. Determined to get his basketball signed, Calhoun attended the event.
Jordan immediately recognized him and brought him from the stands and the first thing he said was, “Did you get your money?” the question caught Calhoun off-guard as he had no idea Jordan was involved. The Bulls legend said, “We made them give it to you.” he added, “We were upset that they were trying to not pay you.”
Legally the parties involved were actually authorized not to pay Calhoun, but the player’s involvement prompted them to make the payment. If Jordan had not voiced his concerns, the then 23-year-old office supplies salesman would not have even sniffed a single cent.
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