The news that MJ decided not to go to Copenhagen to represent Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics has been buried behind speculation over whether Obama will be attending.  While Chicago 2016 supporters would all love Jordan to be there helping, we aren’t trying to use that to our political advantage.  Pele, on the other hand, has no problem doing just that:

Although he declined to take a direct swipe at Michael Jordan, soccer great Pele made it clear he felt a national duty to represent Rio’s Olympic bid at the International Olympic Committee session that will choose the 2016 winner Friday.
“It is important to participate when your country needs you,” Pele said at a Rio press conference Wednesday morning.
He was responding to a question from Chicago television reporter Jay Levine about Jordan’s absence from the Chicago delegation in Copenhagen.

“If I have to die for my country, I would die for my country,” Pele said. “If I have to die for my sport, I would die for my sport. I feel very happy if I can help my country.”

When Pele first mentioned Jordan, he called him “Michael Jackson.” After the laughter in the room died down, Pele joked, “Two Michaels” but did not call out Jordan, preferring to express his own commitment to Rio.

Two Michaels?  I’m confused.  There must be some kind of language barrier here.  Although apparently the media got it.  As much fanfare as there is surrounding who goes to Copenhagen to represent their City’s bid, you have to think this highly politicized decision would have been decided well in advance of the formalities involved in this Copenhagen trip.  Also, no one is actually questioning Michael’s patriotism, right?  The man was part of disseminating American culture around the world on a never-before-seen scale.  Not to mention his 2 gold medals.  Stupid Pele.