What do Utahns think about Gov. Mike Leavitt inviting basketball superstar Michael Jordan to golf in southern Utah while the Chicago Bulls guard is in the state for this weekend's All-Star Game?
"It's a lot of bull," one unidentified caller to the governor's office said this week, apparently summing up the feelings of many Utahns who don't want to celebrate "Michael Jordan Golf Day" on Monday.Leavitt has been stunned by the reaction to his invitation to Jordan to travel to St. George on a private plane Monday to play golf with the governor and other prominent Utahns.
Jordan had been complaining that he wouldn't be able to indulge his passion for golf while in Salt Lake City to play in the All-Star Game because of snow on the local links.
So with some prodding from southern Utah business leaders, Leavitt stepped in with his invitation. He even promised to declare Feb. 22. - George Washington's birthday - "Michael Jordan Golf Day."
After a week of criticism, Leavitt's office issued a press release to clarify his intent - and to let Utahns know that the invitation has now been extended to all NBA All-Stars, not just Jordan. None have responded.
"I hope Utahns will understand this was a light-hearted gesture to help promote St. George," Leavitt said. "I have no plans to bronze a statue of Michael Jordan for the state Capitol."
Leavitt said he never really intended to have a Michael Jordan Day. "I'd much rather have a Karl Malone Day or a John Stockton Day," the governor said.