Just read Wright Thompson’s terrific piece at ESPN Outside the Lines on Michael Jordan turning 50. It covers all the angles of the ultra-competitive Jordan waging a frustrating battle with age. More than worth your time.

However, what struck me about the story is all the access Thompson had with Jordan. He spent hours with him. I can’t remember the last time Jordan opened himself up like that.

Then it dawned on me. Did Jordan do this as another form of payback to Sports Illustrated? In Phil Taylor’s cover story, he writes:

We will have to wonder about that without, as usual, much help from him. Jordan declined a request for an interview from SI, as he has ever since his baseball hiatus.

Jordan never forgave SI for a 1994 cover mocking his attempt to play baseball. Apparently, he is going to carry the grudge to his grave.

So Jordan snubs SI and basically opens the door for ESPN’s Thompson. Coincidence? More Payback?

Nobody would put it past Jordan.