Michael Jordan was forced to miss Chicago Blackhawks legend Chris Chelios’ jersey retirement due to a death in the family.
Jordan was forced to congratulate his close friend Chelios via a video message.
“Hey man, unfortunately Chelios, I can’t make it this week,” Jordan said.
“I tried to get the Ring of Honor. I couldn’t do it then. Someone in my family passed away on Sunday.
“Look, you’re a very worthy person and I’m proud to see your jersey next to mine.
“You and I have been friends for 30 years, so I wish you the best. I’m sending a bunch of love and, you know, Blackhawks!”
Learn more about Michael Jordan
Jordan and Chelios were two faces of Chicago sports in the ’90s, playing in the city from 1990 to 1998.
They also shared the same arena from 1994 to 1998.
While Jordan won a championship with the Bulls, Chelios helped the Blackhawks reach the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals.
He won two Norris Trophies as a Blackhawk and was a five-time All-Star.
Chelios thanked Jordan during his speech as his No. 7 jersey was placed in the rafters along with Jordan’s No. 23 jersey.
“Of course we have to go to Michael Jordan, who has become a good friend of mine. Without a doubt, the king,” Chelios said.
“They use that old saying, ‘I want to be like Mike.’ Well, I really wanted to be like Mike. One thing I did was train properly, which I had never done before in my career. Passed.
“I would watch him play after every game with his coach, Tim Grove. I thought to myself, well, if Michael has a coach, that might be an advantage for me. I’ll get a coach.
“I met him a few weeks ago and we talked. It doesn’t matter. He’s here in spirit. I’m hanging in the rafters with his jersey.
“We talked about it. We talked yesterday and he’s been there for me. He’s in the Hall of Fame, he’s in. It just happened and we’re going to be celebrating on his boat next week.”
Jordan also missed the Bulls’ Ring of Honor ceremony in January and sent a video for the event.