2. His Airness's Error

Did Michael Jordan's admitted gambling "compulsions" force him into early retirement? In 1993, the NBA reportedly began an investigation of Jordan's alleged betting habits, but Jordan suddenly announced his retirement, ending the probe. Perhaps it was the heartbreak of his father's death that pushed him from the court; maybe David Stern uncovered something so damaging to the sport that he gave Jordan no other option. While Jordan returned to the league in 1995, many still maintain that his self-imposed exile was Stern's punishment, although Jordan said he was merely "exhausted."