Jordan out as Presidents Cup assistant captain, to be replaced by Cook

NBA labor issues will keep Michael Jordan from going to Australia to be an assistant captain for the U.S. team at the Presidents Cup.

Fred Couples brought Jordan along to the last Presidents Cup in San Francisco, and signed him up again for the Nov. 17-20 matches at Royal Melbourne. The Chicago Bulls great was to be an assistant captain with Jay Haas.

Jordan is the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, and had to back out as the NBA continues its lockout of players. Couples replaced him with John Cook.

“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.