Jordan Denies Massive Bets : Gambling: Chicago star calls wagering amounts reported in book by San Diego golf opponent “preposterous.”

CHICAGO —  Michael Jordan ended his nine-day silence Friday to say that the amount of money a San Diego businessman claims he won from Jordan in golf bets was “substantially less than the preposterous amounts that have been reported.”

Jordan released a statement through his agent about a new book by Richard Esquinas of San Diego that claims Jordan lost $1.25 million in golf bets to Esquinas. The statement was released shortly before the Bulls beat the New York Knicks, 96-88, in Game 6 and won the Eastern Conference finals.

“I have played golf with Richard Esquinas with wagers made between us,” Jordan said. “Because I did not keep records, I cannot verify how much I won or lost. I can assure you that the level of our wagers was substantially less than the preposterous amounts that have been reported.”

Esquinas, co-author of “Michael & Me: Our Gambling Addiction--My Cry For Help!” wrote that Jordan fell $626,000 in debt to him in their golf wagers, then doubled the bet and lost again. The $1.252 million debt eventually was reduced to $902,000 by more golf wagers last year, the book says.

Esquinas said he settled for $300,000 because he was convinced Jordan would not pay him the entire amount. Esquinas said he had received two checks for a total of $200,000, with the third and final payment due next January.

“It is extremely disappointing to me that an individual whom I caused no harm and who held himself out as my friend would shamelessly exploit my name for selfish gain,” Jordan said. “It is equally disappointing that my off-the-court activities are receiving more attention in the midst of the NBA Championship than my on-court activities.”

Esquinas disagreed with almost everything Jordan said in the statement.

“I was very disappointed to read Michael’s statement claiming that the amount he owed me from golf bets was preposterous,” Esquinas said. “And I was even more disturbed by the fact that he feels this story was written to shamelessly exploit his name. This book is well-intended and when his family, friends and fans read it, they will see that my intentions were honorable, and the story is sincere.”

Esquinas said the only evidence he has of the wagers is the checks he has received from Jordan and one scorecard from their last round of golf in 1992. A photograph in the book shows that card with a summary detailing how Jordan worked the $1.252 million debt down to $902,000.

Referring to Jordan’s accusation that the figures are preposterous, Esquinas, who said he still considers Jordan a friend, said: “This would be another form of denial, or maybe just spin control or damage control. I don’t know.”

Esquinas said he last spoke to Jordan in March when they negotiated the debt down to $300,000. “He said, ‘Great, thank you for reducing the amount.’ ”

Jordan stopped talking to the media the night after Game 2 of the series with the Knicks. A published report had said Jordan went to Atlantic City and was seen gambling in a casino the night before Game 2 of the series. He reportedly lost $5,000, although he denies losing that much and he disputed claims that he was seen in the casino at 2 a.m.