Jan. 13, 1999

Michael Jordan retires -- again. This time, his Airness says he is at peace with his decision and that it appears to be for good.

"I never say never, but 99.9 percent," the 35-year-old superstar tells a packed press conference at the United Center in Chicago. "I am very secure with my decision. I know from a career standpoint I have accomplished everything that I could as an individual. Right now, I don't have the mental challenges that I have had in the past to proceed as a basketball player."

In his last six full seasons, he has led the Bulls to the NBA championship each season, winning Finals MVP each time. In his 13 seasons (only 11 full ones), he has won a record 10 scoring titles and his 31.5 average (29,277 points in 930 games) is the highest in NBA history. He also is the leading scorer in the playoffs, with 5,987 points and a 33.4 average. Five times he was voted the league's MVP.

This announcement is not as shocking or dramatic as the first time Jordan "retired," in October 1993. That time, he played a season of minor league baseball before returning to the Bulls in March 1995.