Jordan's Unauthorized UNC Visit During Foot Recovery

During the third game of the 1985-86 NBA season, iconic Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan sustained a left foot injury against the Golden State Warriors on October 29, 1985. After the injury, Jordan was sidelined for 64 games, feeling frustrated by his inability to engage in basketball activities. As his foot gradually healed, Jordan sought permission from the Bulls to rehab at the University of North Carolina. However, his time at Chapel Hill involved more than just recuperation.

In an episode of ESPN's "The Last Dance" documentary series, Jordan revealed that he participated in unauthorized five-on-five games at UNC, unbeknownst to the Bulls. Upon returning to Chicago, Jordan's secret was discovered when his left calf muscles exhibited greater strength compared to his right, leading to his indiscretion being exposed.

''I just started going to the gym, shooting,'' Jordan said. ''And then I started playing one-on-one, and then I started playing two-on-two, then I started playing three-on-three. Next, I was playing five-on-five, and the Bulls never knew I was doing it. And when I got back with the Bulls, my calf muscles in my injured calf were stronger than my uninjured calf. So the first thing they said, ‘What in the hell you been doing?''

Jordan clashed with Jerry Reinsdorf and Jerry Krause over his desire to return to play, as they advocated for him to sit out the remainder of the season. After negotiations, Jordan and the Bulls agreed on a compromise, though it left Jordan dissatisfied.


Despite the agreement, Jordan only played limited minutes in the final 15 games of the 1985-86 NBA season, with Reinsdorf and Krause restricting him to seven minutes per half. This decision fueled Jordan's frustration.

On another front, the sneakers he wore in that match fetched $422,000 at a Mint25 auction in 2022.