It instantly ignited the powder keg that had long been buried in the hearts of fans.
TNT urgently added a special commentary program.
Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton once again sat before the broadcast desk.
On the screen behind them, one side showed a snapshot of Reggie Miller roaring, while the other displayed Jordan in a Knicks uniform.
The studio atmosphere was far more tense than during their previous analysis of the situation.
Bill Walton spoke first, his expression conflicted.
"I understand the frustration Miller has bottled up for years."
"Being eliminated by the same team three years in a row, that pain is real."
"But words like 'defector' and 'prisoner' carry far too much weight."
"The NBA is a business league. Players have the right to choose their next team."
Marv Albert shook his head, disagreeing.
"By the rules, Jordan's signing was completely legitimate."
"But emotionally, Miller's stance will resonate with a large number of old-school fans."
"The old basketball world still retains some of the values and pride of a bygone era."
"Many fans believe you can lose to an opponent, but you must never join that opponent."
Kevin Harlan took the microphone, his tone objective and calm.
"Online forums and radio call-in shows have completely exploded."
"Half the people are cursing Miller for being a sore loser and using trash talk to build pregame hype."
"The other half agree with Miller, saying Jordan has cast aside the pride of an old-school player."
"The game has not even begun, yet the war of public opinion has already finished its first round."
Sports radio stations across the United States had their late-night call-in lines flooded by listeners.
Countless fans called in to passionately voice their opinions.
Some die-hard Knicks fans angrily denounced Miller over the phone.
"He