The Calhoun Shot was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence
Featured Image Credit: Aurelien Meunier / Contributor/NBA
If you managed to nail a hail mary shot from three-quarters the length of a basketball court for a grand million-dollar prize, you’d hope there would be some reward, right?
During a timeout on April 14, 1994, as the Chicago Bulls faced off with the Miami Heat, one fan wowed the world with his impressive heave.
Launching the basketball like a javelin, office supply salesman Don Calhoun made the stadium erupt in stunned applause as he landed the shot.
He was then embraced by the Bull’s teammate like one of their own, handing out high fives and a hug to legend Michael Jordan, who’d told him ‘great shot kid’.
19 people had tried and failed to take the shot before Calhoun nailed it, and he soon became famous for his incredible exploit.
However, Don would find out, it would be a lot harder to get his money than he’d expected.
The insurance company didn’t want to pay out, arguing that because Calhoun had played college basketball, he broke the competition’s rules.
Eventually, the event’s sponsors promised to pay him the money if the insurance company wouldn’t and for the next 20 years, he received an annual payment of $50,000, though after taxes it was $38,000.
A few weeks later, he met Jordan again, telling ABC7 that he wanted to get the basketball legend’s signature on the ball he’d made the shot with.
Don was then embraced by the bulls teammate like an old teammate, handing out high fives and a hug to Michael Jordan. (NBA)
Calhoun heard from a friend that Jordan always went to see one of his kids play basketball at their school, so the million dollar shot man showed up with his ball in the hopes of getting Jordan’s signature on it.
Jordan’s security told Calhoun that the basketball star didn’t sign anything while at his kid’s game, though when things were coming to an end, a security guard told him he could walk with Jordan to his car.
According to Calhoun, the first thing Jordan asked him when they were walking together was: “Did you get your money?”
What the basketball star said after hearing that Calhoun did get the money absolutely stunned the man, as he revealed that Jordan then told him: “We made them give it to you.
Don found that it would be a lot harder to get his money than he expected.(NBA)
“We were upset that they were trying not to pay you.”
In the end, Calhoun also got Jordan’s signature on his iconic ball after being told that, while he wouldn’t sign anything at his kid’s game, if the ball was sent to his steakhouse he’d sign and return it.
While Calhoun was worried that he’d never see his prized possession again, he decided to trust Jordan and he later got a call from the steakhouse telling him ‘Michael signed it and he wishes you well’.
News
UNTEACHABLE ‘I’m a dog,’ claims Angel Reese after WNBA star leads Chicago Sky to comeback win against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever
ANGEL Reese enjoyed a career game on Sunday as the Chicago Sky narrowly defeated the Indiana Fever. The rookie forward, 22, was instrumental in Chicago’s much-needed win. Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese enjoyed a career game on SundayCredit: WNBA on ESPN Reese…
YOUNG LOVE Who is college basketball star Reed Sheppard’s girlfriend, Brailey Dizney?
The pair have shared glimpses into their relationship on social media REED Sheppard is a hot topic for the 2024 NBA Draft. Fans of the college basketball star also want to know more about his relationship with his girlfriend, Brailey Dizney. (L-R) Brailey Dizney…
FATHERLY LOVE LeBron James plans for NBA Draft revealed with son Bronny set to be snubbed from first round
LeBron and Bronny, however, won’t be traveling to NYC for the draft LEBRON James is hosting an NBA draft party – and is dreaming of toasting the next stage of his son Bronny’s basketball career. The USC star, who suffered…
Miss Universe Amelia Vega with Boston Celtics player Al Horford Enjoy the Happy Family Life with Their Five Adorable Kids
Miss Universe Amelia Vega and Boston Celtics’ star Al Horford Enjoy a Happy Family Life with Their Five Adorable Children. Amelia Vega, the stunning Miss Universe of 2003, and her husband Al Horford, the renowned Boston Celtics star, are known…
Shocking Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Comparison Blows Up Online After Sky-Fever
Caitlin Clark will always be known more as an offense-first player, which also makes the fact that the Indiana Fever star rookie had two blocks during her team’s 91-83 at home over Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on Sunday surprising. Even more shocking is the information…
Caitlin Clark Sends Classy Message to Angel Reese, Fanbase After Hard Foul
One of the things that WNBA fans love most about Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is how well she speaks when eyes are on her. Clark always seems like she knows exactly what to say in any situation, and keeps it classy at all times. While…
End of content
No more pages to load