Featured Image Credit: YouTube/NBC
Topics: Michael Jordan, NBA, Basketball
James Taylor
Michael Jordan made his NBC debut as a pundit but sparked health concerns after a detail about his appearance was spotted.
The NBA returned last night with the Oklahoma City Thunder edging past the Houston Rockets 125-124.
It was an inspired performance from last season's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a team-high 35 points.
Among those watching on was five-time MVP and six-time NBA champion Jordan, who made his debut as a pundit for broadcaster NBC.
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The former Chicago Bulls star had been brought in by NBC as a special contributor to share his insight on the league's modern stars.
However, it wasn't Jordan's analysis that caught the attention of fans; it was the colour of his eyes.
Viewers noticed that Jordan's eyes appeared strangely yellow, with screenshots of the strange tint quickly going viral across social media.
But this is not the first time that fans have raised the issue, with many pointing it out during The Last Dance documentary in 2020.
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Jordan has never spoken publicly about the colour of his eyes or any health issue, but medical professionals have offered some potential explanations.
There are suggestions that it could be pinguecula, a harmless yellow-coloured raised growth on the eyeball that can be caused by exposure to UV, wind, and dust.
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Although it is not possible to be permanently removed without surgery, it can be managed through ear drops.
Others have suggested it could be complexion-associated melanosis, which is another harmless condition.
Meanwhile, The New York Post have previously reported that Jordan is "fine", leading many to believe that the yellow tint may just be lighting or aging.
Although medical experts have said there is likely nothing wrong with Jordan's eyes, fans on social media have still expressed concern about the NBA icon.
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One fan wrote: "Why do Michael Jordan’s eyes always look like that?"
Another added: "Michael Jordan's eyes look crazy."
While one user said: "They need to stop doing close-ups of Michael Jordan and them eyes."
Despite the speculation, Jordan has never commented on the matter and appears focused on his new role with NBC.
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During his broadcast debut, he reflected on how he missed playing the game.
Jordan added: "I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today because that's who I am.
"That type of competition... competitiveness... is what I live for. And I miss it."