Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 5, 1993 TAG: 9306050171
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHICAGO LENGTH: Medium
The Chicago Bulls star released a statement through his agent about a new book that charged he lost $1.25 million in golf bets to Richard Esquinas. It was released just hours before the Bulls met the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.
"I have played golf with Richard Esquinas with wagers made between us," Jordan said. "Because I did not keep records, I cannot verify how much I won or lost. I can assure you that the level of our wagers was substantially less than the preposterous amounts that have been reported."
Esquinas, co-author of "Michael & Me: Our Gambling Addiction . . . My Cry For Help!" wrote that Jordan fell $626,000 in debt to him in their golf wagers, then doubled the bet and lost again. The $1.252 million debt eventually was reduced to $902,000 by more golf wagers last year.
Esquinas said he settled for $300,000 because he was convinced Jordan would not pay him the entire amount. Esquinas said he had received two checks for a total of $200,000, with the third and final payment due in January.
"It is extremely disappointing to me that an individual whom I caused no harm and who held himself out as my friend would shamelessly exploit my name for selfish gain," Jordan said. "It is equally disappointing that my off-the-court activities are receiving more attention in the midst of the NBA championship than my on-court activities."
Jordan stopped talking to the media the night after Game 2 of the series with the Knicks. A published report had said Jordan went to Atlantic City, N.J., and was seen gambling in a casino the night before Game 2 of the series. He reportedly lost $5,000, although he denies losing that much and he disputed claims that he was seen in the casino at 2 a.m.
Jordan apologized to his family, teammates, fans and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf for the distractions the gambling issues have caused, calling it an embarrassment.
Jordan's gambling first came to public light in 1992, when checks totalling $165,000 covering golf and poker debts were made public during the trial of a North Carolina man.
by CNB