Jordan Out As Asst. Captain; Melbourne Area Courses And Cigar Shops Brace For Massive Revenue Shortfall

Doug Ferguson reports that the U.S. assistant captain and Charlotte Bobcat owner Michael Jordan, who was sure to bring at least two solid controversies and massive revenues to the sluggish Melbourne economy, needs to spend more time waiting for David Stern's phone calls. So much so, he broke the owner's pledge to not speak about the lockout. Actually, he's already done that once and been fined, but at least this time Jordan did not suggest the NBA's model was broken.

"With the NBA labor situation unsettled, as the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, I feel it is necessary that I remain in the country," Jordan said in a statement.

Jordan has been a regular at the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup over the years, often sitting in a golf cart with a cigar as he watched the matches. He was in an honorary role in San Francisco, but was a big hit with the players.

"While the team will miss his friendship, spirit and leadership, we certainly understand the complexity of his current team obligations," Couples said.

Last time around Jordan, one of Couples' assistants at Harding Park, was banished to golf at Olympic Club during the opening ceremonies by the PGA Tour and was prevented from lighting up his cigars at the public park golf course.

Jordan's replacement will be John Cook, says Captain Fred Couples.

“John has been a friend of mine since we broke in together on the PGA TOUR in the early 1980s,” said Couples, playing this week at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. “Having achieved success at the highest levels in the golf world, I value his opinion greatly. Both John and Jay will provide tremendous support for myself and the United States Team in the upcoming matches at Royal Melbourne.”

Cook won 11 times in his PGA TOUR career, including a 1992 season that included three wins and a runner-up at the British Open. Cook has eight career victories on the Champions Tour, including three in 2011. He enters this week’s Charles Schwab Cup Championship fourth in the race for the Charles Schwab Cup. Cook also made one start on the PGA TOUR in 2011, finishing third at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

“I’m thrilled that Freddie has asked me to serve as a Captain’s Assistant for the United States Presidents Cup Team,” said Cook. “Jay has told me on several occasions that his 2009 Presidents Cup experience was one of his career highlights, and that meant a lot to me in making my decision. I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping the team retain the Cup.”