We learned Tuesday that Michael Jordan is returning to the NBA this year. Rumors have been swirling for months, and by the time he sent out the fax explaining his plans it was pretty much a matter of when he’d let us all know for sure.

We’ve heard all the talk – “He’s too old” or “He’s going to tarnish his image” or “Why return when he went out on top?”

All those statements sound like a challenge to us, a challenge a competitor such as Jordan just couldn’t turn down. You can say what you like, but Jordan is his own man, and if he thinks he has the ability to play competitively with 19 and 20-year-olds, more power to him. Chances are, he’ll make the game interesting to watch again.

Jordan announced he would donate this year’s salary to relief funds working with victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It’s just another example of the kind of class athlete that has become rare in professional basketball.

The world will be anxiously awaiting the return of No. 23. It will greatly benefit basketball, the fans and even the economy. Imagine the number of Wizards jerseys that will be sold in the coming months.

We can’t wait for the first time we see that tongue wagging as he drains a fadeaway to beat the Knicks in overtime; even if he’s a little older.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Zach Calef, Omar Tesdell