When Michael Jordan Attended 1996 Olympics Under an Alias After 'Passing It Up to Let the Other Players Play'

Jordan wanted other talented players to be given an opportunity to represent the United States at the grandest stage of world competition.

By Jitesh Tiwari

Updated on Aug 06, 2024 | 09:48 PM IST | 48.6K

Source: Getty Images

Having led the Dream Team to the Olympic gold medal in the 1992 Olympics, many expected Michael Jordan to be up for another opportunity in the 1996 Olympics. Surprisingly, Jordan passed on the request to be part of the 1996 USMNT but did manage to make an appearance in a very unexpected way.

After the USA Men's Basketball roster was announced for the 1996 Atlanta games, basketball fans were surprised to see MJ being left out of the squad. Since Jordan was a crucial, memorable part of the 1992 team, his absence on a nonetheless talented roster did raise questions.

Though the G.O.A.T couldn't share the court with his peers, he still felt the urge to attend the Atlanta Games in person.

So when the opportunity came knocking, MJ grabbed it at the earliest. Jordan received an invite from Sara Lee, one of the Centennial Partners/sponsors of the games, for a one-off appearance.

ALSO READ: When Michael Jordan Almost Refused to Play for Dream Team for THIS Reason

Being one of the major Centennial Partners, Sara Lee had arranged an auspicious event for 500 guests in Atlanta. Seeing this as a chance to feature the former Olympian, they reached out to Jordan, hoping for the NBA Superstar to come.

Hoping to attend the event without the unwanted attention of the media, the Hall-Of-Famer traveled to Atlanta under the Alias "Frank Gordon." When asked about his appearance later on, Jordan said:

"I Kind of miss the Olympics. But I stand by my reasons for passing it up to let others experience it."

Jordan wanted others to earn a chance at the gold medal. Prior to winning his second Olympic gold in the 1992 games, Jordan had won his first gold in the 1984 LA Olympics, beating Spain in the finals.

Having represented his nation when it counted, "His Airness" felt that other talented athletes deserved their moment to shine as well

ALSO READ: How Did Michael Jordan React When He Was Invited to Play for Team USA in 1994 World Championships?

But that wasn't the only reason. In a conversation with the New York Times in 1993, Jordan explained that playing in the Olympics during the NBA off-season meant more time competing and less time recovering and taking rest.

"I think it's going to be easy to get guys to play, but your top players, it may be a different story," stated Jordan, per NBC Sports. He continued, "I don't know if the clubs will want them to do it. You see, those of us who played (kept) getting the nagging injuries, getting banged up so early in the season. You have to give some of that to playing in the Olympics."

Jordan had suggested Mitch Richmond to be added to the 1996 roster. Richmond averaged 23.1 points and 1.5 steals a game on 44.7% shooting during the 1995-96 season. Earning the NBA third-team and All-Star nod that season, he deserved a shot at the gold medal.

Eventually, Richmond did play for Team USA and helped the squad bring home the Gold Medal.