I don't feel powerful,'' Jordan says. "I never view myself as powerful enough to make decisions or influence business. It's just that, for whatever reason, the public and corporate America have accepted my personality.''What's the point of being TSN's Most Powerful Person if not to feel powerful, Jordan is asked. He chuckles. "Every time I step on the court I consider myself powerful,'' he says. "People are watching every little move I make. I am in control ... from a skills standpoint.''No argument on that. Jordan's power starts with his decisive and spectacular hoop supremacy. In his last five full NBA seasons he has brought five championships to Chicago. No active athlete in any team sport remotely approaches Jordan's dominance."Michael's mind-set, skill, intelligence, athletic courage, grace ... the way he sees the big picture, his genius in the athletic terrain ... all of this sets him apart,'' NBC broadcaster Bob Costas says.Other reasons underlie his No. 1 ranking, having to do with sex appeal, expanding business network and force of personality.In the case of the Bulls, Jordan threatened to retire if Jackson were not rehired and Pippen not retained. Owner Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Jerry Krause did not risk calling his hand."I expressed my opinion-I wouldn't call it an ultimatum,'' Jordan says. "If this happens, this is what I do. If it doesn't, this is what I do. They chose. Some people may view that as power. But I hold true to what I believe and what lies in my heart. I was willing to go that route (retirement). I didn't say it as an idle threat, because I believed it. It's up to them to believe me. If they do, that's maybe powerful.''Jackson got a $5.8 million deal. Pippen is on the last year of a contract that will pay him $2.2 million, woefully low by NBA talent standards. The Bulls could not offer him more in part because they had no room under the salary cap. Nonetheless, Jordan persuaded Pippen to stay on, whil...
