The basketball world was silent after Charles Barkley – Michael Jordan’s close friend and longtime teammate – suddenly appeared on television with red eyes and a choked voice when revealing a news that shocked millions of fans.
According to Barkley, the incident happened just 30 minutes ago in California, where Jordan was resting with his family. In a private conversation, Barkley burst into tears, unable to hide his emotions when saying:
“He’s about to… I can’t even finish my sentence. It’s breaking me down.”
Barkley’s half-hearted statement shocked the entire sports community. From ESPN to CNN, all media channels simultaneously stopped broadcasting other sports news to focus on “urgent news about Michael Jordan”.
A source close to Jordan’s family said that his health had changed suddenly in the past few days. Reporters gathered outside his Beverly Hills mansion, where a series of luxury cars believed to belong to family, friends and former teammates appeared.
On set, Barkley tried to hold back tears but couldn’t. He added, choking up:
“You think you’re ready for a day like this. You’re never ready. He’s my brother… and always has been.”
That statement brought the entire studio audience to their feet, many of them in tears.
The online community immediately exploded with millions of posts expressing concern and grief. The hashtags #PrayForMJ and #MichaelJordanForever rose to the top of global trends in just 15 minutes.
Fans from all over the world – from Chicago to North Carolina to Tokyo – posted photos, videos and tributes to the greatest icon in NBA history. One fan wrote:
“He made us believe in greatness. There will never be another like him.”
Meanwhile, other NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Scottie Pippen all declined to comment, leaving only brief messages on social media with black heart emojis.
Sources say Michael Jordan’s family is asking for complete privacy, and any official information is likely to be released in the coming hours.
While it’s unclear exactly what’s going on, one thing is for sure:
The entire basketball world is shaking, fearing and praying.
The Chicago Bulls icon, considered a “basketball god,” is facing the most difficult moment of his life – and the world is holding its breath.
