Mark Heisler writes in the LA Times that Michael Jordan faces skepticism if not outright doubt about his ability to keep up with younger, fresher players. Once, Michael seemed to transcend everything, with presidents and crown princes lining up to pay homage, but things are different this time around. Now, if, or when, he announces he'll return to the NBA as a Washington Wizard at age 38, as he is expected to next week, it will be only a basketball story.

On Monday, Sept. 10, several Chicago reporters found him outside his restaurant in the Loop. The Associated Press quoted him as saying he would return. Jordan later denied saying that, but, just in case, both NBC's "Today Show" and CBS' "The Early Show" invited the Chicago Tribune's Sam Smith, author of a famous book about Jordan, to appear the next morning.

The next morning was Sept. 11, 2001, when sports stars became mere sports stars again.

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