Basketball great Michael Jordan has been forced to relinquish his position as a captain's assistant for the US President's Cup team.
Michael Jordan (L)
The former Chicago Bulls legend was set to travel to Australia along with the American team to assist captain Fred Couples in their match against the Internationals at Royal Melbourne, but has been forced to withdraw because of an ongoing labour dispute in the NBA.
Jordan, who would have served to "motivate and inspire" the troops in Australia, is the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, and feels obligated to stay Stateside until the current dispute is resolved.
"After careful consideration, it is with regret that I have decided to cancel my trip to Australia later this month for The Presidents Cup," Jordan said. "With the NBA labor situation unsettled, as the majority owner of the
Charlotte Bobcats, I feel it is necessary that I remain in the country.
"It was an honor to have been chosen by Fred Couples to serve as a Captain's Assistant. I wish Fred and the United States team the best of luck."
Couples has replaced Jordan with golfer John Cook, who joins Jay Haas as an assistant
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