Jordan speculation is starting to spin out of control

Give the Michael Jordan rumor-mongers an inch, and they will takea mile.

While confirmed reports of Jordan's interest in buying half ofthe Charlotte Hornets were too good to be true for most people inCharlotte, they weren't good enough for some.

So the more demanding sorts started rumors that Jordan intendsfirst to play for the Hornets next season. The reasoning is that hisplaying would help pay part of the $75 million he would owe Hornetsowner George Shinn to become an equal partner in the franchise."There is absolutely no truth to that report," said arepresentative for David Falk, Jordan's agent. "I guess it's openseason for Jordan rumors again."Others around the NBA discounted the report by Fox Sports News."I'd be very surprised if he came back and played," HoustonRockets forward Charles Barkley said. "I think he'd do a disserviceto himself. I think all athletes who come back do a disservice tothemselves.""That's a new one," said former Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen,now with the Rockets. "I don't see him coming in as a player. Hehad a great career. He's going to leave it at that.""Oh, he's going to own a team, be general manager and play?"Bulls forward Dickey Simpkins said to Chicago Sun-Times Bullsreporter John Jackson. "That's a lot of work. But if anybody can doit, Michael can do all those jobs."If Michael comes back and plays, that will be a good thing forthe league. (But his retirement) seemed pretty final to me. I don'tthink he's going to come back and play again. As far as the businesspart of the game, I think he may get involved with that."Simpkins said the Hornets likely are headed for the lottery andrebuilding."At Michael's age, I don't think he's willing to do a rebuildingthing or try to start all over," Simpkins said. "He's 36 years old.Rebuilding for four years, he'll be 40-something. If he ever were toplay again, it would have to be a high chance for winning achampionship. He's done."I'm not going to believe Jordan won't play again until hetoddles on some court with a pot belly this summer and can't keep upwith Kobe Bryant, can't post up Pippen and can't dunk on ShaquilleO'Neal."Hell, he can't keep up with Kobe even now," said Jordan'sfriend, Ahmad Rashad.Other reports say Jordan, who hasn't worked out consistentlysince helping the Bulls win their sixth championship last year,appears 20 to 30 pounds overweight.Whatever arrangement Jordan might work out with the Hornets, Idon't expect him to have to pay his entire portion in cash. Hisinvolvement with the team likely would encourage the Charlotte citygovernment to approve the financing of a new $200 million arena.I first was concerned Shinn - who is mired in sexual scandal -might be using Jordan to help bail him out of his troubles. ButJordan is smart enough to use his negotiating leverage to themaximum.