A Million Chicagoans Gather in Praise of Bulls

A crowd estimated at 1 million attended a rally at Chicago’s Grant Park in honor of the Bulls, who won the first NBA championship in the franchise’s 25-year history and brought the city its first sports title since the Bears won the Super Bowl in January, 1986.

The crowd danced, sang and cheered as it spilled into the streets surrounding the downtown park. But the biggest cheers were for Michael Jordan, MVP of the championship series and the regular season.

“It’s been a long struggle, and we’re gonna be back here next year for another long struggle,” Jordan said.

Mayor Richard Daley declared it Bulls Day in Chicago, and Gov. Jim Edgar extended the declaration to entire state of Illinois.

“I’ve waited a long time for today,” said John Paxson, who was player of the game in the fifth and deciding game against the Lakers.

“Thank you. We’ll be back again next year,” Paxson said.

Scottie Pippen signed an $18-million, five-year contract extension with the Bulls. The deal was signed in Chicago last week after Game 2 of the NBA finals, according to a published report.