January 13, 1999 -- Michael Jordan announces his second retirement. The announcement came prior to the start of the lockout-shortened 1998-99 NBA season. Jordan had already retired once before in 1993 to pursue a baseball career, but returned to the NBA in 1995 and led the Bulls to three more NBA championships. However, by 1999, Jordan felt that he had “lost the drive and desire” necessary to continue and also expressed a desire to spend more time with his family. Jordan stated that he was “99.9 percent” sure he would not come back to play again. He would return to the NBA in 2001 with the Wizards.
Also happening this week:
- January 14, 1973 -- The Dolphins complete the first and only undefeated season in NFL history.
- January 14, 1976 -- Ted Turner becomes Braves CEO.
- January 16, 1988 -- The NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals announce a move to Phoenix.
- January 17, 1995 -- The Rams announce that they are moving to St. Louis.
