Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan admitted Thursday he did gamble in Atlantic City, N.J., on the eve of his club's Game 2 loss in the Eastern Conference finals against the Knicks but angrily denied a published report that placed him in a casino until 2:30 a.m.
Jordan, meeting with a horde of reporters at the Bulls' suburban Chicago practice facility, said he left the casino with a few friends shortly after 11 p.m., was back in bed by 1 a.m. and threatened to sue anyone that claimed differently."My father had a leased limousine that went up to Atlantic City at four o'clock. gambled, played blackjack until about 11 o'clock, took the limo back, went back to my room, got eight hours of sleep," said Jordan, who added his limo was checked out to depart at 11:04 p.m. for the 90-minute drive back to New York.
"Now whoever saw me there at 1 o'clock, 2:30, whatever, I'd like to see them in person because I certainly will lay a lawsuit on 'em. You can ask the casinos. I wasn't there until 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock in the morning."
The New York Times reported in its Thursday editions that Jordan was seen by employees and patrons at the Bally's Grand Casino as late as 2:30 a.m. EDT, seven hours prior to the Bulls' morning shootaround Tuesday and 18 hours prior to the game at Madison Square Garden.
Bulls Coach Phil Jackson said he saw nothing wrong with what Jordan did and called the matter "closed."
Jordan scored 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds in Chicago's 96-91 loss to the Knicks that gave New York a two games to none lead in the best-of-seven series. He was 12 for 32 from the field and hit 11 of 13 free throws. Jordan was held to 11 points in the second half on 5 for 16 shooting and did not score in the final 2:46.