Michael Jordan (Photo By Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Michael Jordan is back in the NBA limelight, but not on the court. On May 12, the NBA announced that the six-time NBA champion will join its basketball broadcast team as a special contributor. This move comes as the network prepares to regain NBA broadcasting rights for the 2025-26 season, and fans are already excited to see Jordan back in the mix.

But Jordan’s return is not just about nostalgia. A swirling rumor claims the NBA is paying him a staggering $40 million yearly, more than any sports analyst. That would surpass Tom Brady’s $37.5 million annual deal with Fox Sports. However, neither the NBA nor Jordan’s team confirmed this figure, and many are questioning whether it’s even close to accurate.

Jordan’s reported responsibilities make the $40 million claim even harder to believe. Reports say he won’t be doing live commentary or full-time analysis. Instead, he will appear in pre-recorded segments during pregame and halftime shows. A role that limited raises eyebrows among media insiders.

Michael Jordan Is Likely To Make A Symbolic Return

Oct 27, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; 23XI team owner Michael Jordan watches during the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

For Jordan, this role might not be about money at all. With a personal net worth estimated at $3.5 billion, built mainly from his Air Jordan brand and business ventures, he does not need a massive paycheck. He said,  “I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” indicating that this is more about legacy than earnings.

The NBA’s move seems designed to tap into basketball nostalgia. Jordan’s history with the network, where he won all six of his NBA titles, makes him a natural fit for a brand relaunch. For fans, his return bridges the league’s storied past and its bright future.

Still, the huge million figure remains unconfirmed and highly doubtful. Unless official details emerge, it’s safe to say that Jordan’s presence adds star power, and the actual amount is probably much lower than what the rumors say.

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’