NEW YORK, (Reuters) – A pair of autographed shoes worn by basketball star Michael Jordan in the famous 1997 “flu game” during the NBA finals sold at auction on Thursday for a record-breaking $104,765.
Grey Flannel Auctions in New York said an unidentified client scored the red-and-black sneakers after a bidding war erupted in the telephone and online auction. The previous record for shoes worn in any sport was also for a pair of Jordan shoes, which sold for $31,070 last month.
Jordan wore the sneakers in the June 11, 1997, game when he led the Chicago Bulls to a 90-88 win over the Utah Jazz, giving them an advantage in the finals. It was dubbed the “flu game” because Jordan was suffering from nausea and fatigue and nearly didn’t play. The Chicago Bulls went on to win the NBA championship.
“There was a tremendous amount of interest not only in the sneakers, but in other lots in the sale. We’re very pleased with the results,” said Michael Russek, director of operations at Grey Flannel Auctions.
