Former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats Michael Jordan is not going to Australia to be an assistant captain for the U.S. team at the Presidents Cup. The Presidents Cup 2011 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, at Royal Melbourne Golf Club is scheduled to be held on November 14-20. He is keeping from doing that by NBA labor issue.Fred Couples, an American professional golfer, brought Jordan along to the last Presidents Cup golf tournament in San Francisco, and signed him up again for the Nov. 17-20 matches at Royal Melbourne. The Chicago Bulls great was to be an assistant captain with Jay Haas. Jordan had to back out as the NBA continues its lockout of players. Couples replaced him with John Cook.
He said in a statement, “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.” Jordan has been a regular at the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup over the years, often sitting in a golf cart with a cigar as he watched the matches. He was in an honorary role in San Francisco, but was a big hit with the players.
Former World No. 1 Frederick Steven Couples said, “While the team will miss his friendship, spirit and leadership, we certainly understand the complexity of his current team obligations.”
