Michael Jordan explains run-in with golf fashion police
1:38PM EST November 29. 2012 - Michael Jordan said he has no problem with his ban from a Miami Beach country club for breaking the strict dress code by wearing cargo shorts.
The basketball legend explained to ESPN Chicago that he was surprised by the confrontation during the recent round, but seems to have no regrets about how it all went down.
"I've been there many times and no one told me a thing," he wrote in a text. "Then all of a sudden they come to me on the 11th hole and say I can't wear cargo shorts. Wow! The round is almost over and you want me to buy shorts now? Yeah, right!!"
Jordan's statement should have closed the book on this story. Instead, it only leads to more questions:
1. The round is not "almost over" on the 11th hole. You've barely made the turn. The hot dog you bought probably has a bite or two left.
2. The original New York Post story said all this happened on the 12th hole. Why the cover-up? Who's hiding what?
3. Staff at La Gorce Country Club was going to make him buy the shorts? I figured they were going to lend him a pair, like when you go to a fancy restaurant and they offer you a jacket and/or tie to comply with the dress code. (Does that still happen, or is that only a sitcom thing, like people objecting to weddings in the middle of the ceremony?)
4. Did the golf course really have a pair of shorts that was going to fit the six-foot-6 Jordan?
5. Where was he going to change? It would have taken too long to go back to the clubhouse, so unless there was an on-course bathroom nearby, what was the option?
6. Who drew the short straw and had to go tell Michael Jordan that he needed to change shorts in the middle of his round? Jordan says "they" approached him, which suggests the country club thought there was strength in numbers. Or maybe he was talking about the royal "they."
Michael Jordan can't believe he missed the putt on the 18th green on Saturday, June 26, 1993 at Brook Valley Country Club during practice rounds for a golf tournament in Greenville, N.C. ,1993. AP
Michael Jordan smokes a cigar as he watches play during the Tiger Woods/Steve Stricker versus Lee Westwood/Nicolas Colsaerts Fourball match at Medinah Country Club. ERIK S. LESSER EPA
The sun's glare flares off of Michael Jordan's club as he chips to the green during the pro-am round of the Ameritech Senior Open in Long Grove, Ill., Thursday, July 15, 1999. Jordan was paired with veteran golfer Raymond Floyd for the round. (AP Photo/Michael S. Green) ORG XMIT: CX102 MICHAEL S. GREEN Associated Press
Former Chicago Bulls basketball player Michael Jordan watches during the morning Foursome Matches on the first day of the 39th Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country Club September 28, 2012 in Medinah, Illinois. via @bzcohen H/T wtfismikewearing.tumblr.com
Former NBA basketball star Michael Jordan hits a shot during during the Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge on Bethpage State Park's Black Course, Friday, June 12, 2009, in Farmingdale, N.Y. Jason DeCrow AP
Chicago Bulls NBA star Michael Jordan points as he watches the United States fourball pairing of Mark O'Meara and Tiger Woods with US captain Tom Kite on day two of the Ryder Cup at Valderrama golf course Saturday Sept. 27, 1997. LAURENT REBOURS Associated Press
United States Team captain's assistant Michael Jordan chews a cigar as he walks the course during a practice round for the Presidents Cup golf competition, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. Marcio Jose Sanchez AP
Michael Jordan jokes with playing partner Tom Kite after hitting his tee shot on the ninth hole during the SBC Senior Open Pro-Am at Kemper Lakes Golf Club Wednesday, July 18, 2001, in Long Grove, Ill. FRANK POLICH Associated Press
Pittsburgh Penguins Mario Lemieux, right, watches Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan play in the Celebrity Golf Association Classic of Chicago tournament at White Eagle Country Club in Naperville, Ill., on Friday, June 21, 1996. MIKE FISHER Associated Press
A relaxed Michael Jordan waits for his turn at the tee on hole one during the Ameritech Senior Open's Pro-Am at Kemper Lakes Golf Course in Long Grove, Ill Thursday, June 16, 1998. BETH A. KEISER Associated Press
Michael Jordan tees off during his Celebrity Invitational at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Friday, Sept. 20, 2002 at the Ocean Club resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The tournament hopes to raise $500,000 dollars, matching the amount reached at the inaugural event last year, with the funds going to the Ronald McDonald Houses of North Carolina and a local Bahamian charity. TIM AYLEN Associated Press
