Regarding Jordan I was listening to a radio show on the topic yesterday and they made some points that are likely true regarding the situation. First of all Jordan was offered a role in the organization when he retired for the 2nd time, but he declined (most likely because he wanted ownership stake and wanted to eventually be the majority owner of the team). After that JR and Jordan never spoke about it again because it was clear that Jordan wanted different things. And that's fine, who the hell said MJ HAD to work with the Bulls org. Also, JR paid Jordan's basketball salary when he was trying out minor league baseball instead of him getting a minor league baseball salary. This is said to be out of respect for what Jordan did for the Bulls (but could also be because there was hope or a pre-existing discussions that he might come back and they wanted him under contract). Since Jordan has retired, when not owning majority stakes in another team, he has appeared several times in luxury boxes when the Bulls were in the playoffs or having a good run. He has also been to several team events honoring other Bulls legends (Kerr, Pippen, Phil Jackson) and has spoken at a couple of them. He went in the Bulls locker room after the Bulls beat the team that MJ owns to congratulate them on making the playoffs. He has made an effort to get to meet and know many of the above average Bulls players to get drafted by the team and make an impression on them. After his 2nd retirement and before his 3rd, he could occasionally come by Bulls practice at the Berto Center and randomly challenge players to games of 1 on 1. Does any of this sound like a man who has been alienated by the team he played for? Would all this have occured if the Bulls werent loyal to him after he left the team? As for Pip, he too has been seen at many Bulls games since his retirenent through thick and thin. He at one point (or currently?) wrote about the Bulls on NBA.com and once lobbied for the Bulls coaching job (although I am not sure if the Bulls took it seriously). He has also been at many Bulls ceremonies honoring the Bulls. I don't get where the idea that these 2 are estranged from the team.