Michael Jordan autographed shoes from ‘Flu Game’ to be auctioned

How would you like to own a collector’s item for the ages?

The shoes Michael Jordan wore during his legendary “Flu Game” in the 1997 NBA Finals will be sold at an auction in a few months and, as a bonus, the sneakers were autographed.

Grey Flannel Auctions says they were approached by a ballboy who worked that game and claims Jordan autographed the shoes and gave them to him. The ballboy also provides a photo of Jordan autographing the shoes.

According to Ball Don’t Lie, the ballboy had the shoes in his possession for years, but decided now to finally sell them. He was just keeping them in a safety deposit box, so this will give someone else the chance to purchase them and really put them on display.

The story of the “Flu Game” has been debated as time has gone on, but it is no less intriguing.

The legend went that Jordan called the Chicago Bulls trainers into his hotel room in Utah at 2 a.m. complaining that he was sick. He was told he wouldn’t be able to play in the critical Game 5 (the series was tied 2-2). Despite being sick and having little energy, Jordan gritted through the game and played 44 of 48 minutes, scoring 38 points in the huge victory. The Bulls closed out the series at home the next game to dispatch the Jazz.

Even though the game was dubbed the “Flu Game,” Jordan’s trainer clarified in April that MJ was suffering from food poisoning after eating bad pizza. Either way, No. 23 courageously came through, like usual.

Bidding on the shoes begins on Nov. 18. The shoes will be a part of Grey Flannel’s holiday auction.

Photos: Grey Flannel Auctions