Jordan can't resist the itch.(Chicago Tribune)

WASHINGTON_Michael Jordan disclosed Monday that he is ill.

The symptoms of his disease are an unquenchable longing, an unfilled desire and an unyielding itch.

It's called basketballitis, and there's just one cure.

"Obviously, when I left the game, I left something on the floor," Jordan said at the MCI Center in his first public comments since announcing his intention to return to the NBA with the Washington Wizards. "When I retired last time, I wouldn't say I was ready to quit the game. I didn't want to go through the whole rebuilding process. I said if the team stayed and (coach) Phil (Jackson) stayed, I would still be playing.

"I constantly said that and my family understands," Jordan said. "It's an itch that still needs to be scratched. I want to make sure the scratch doesn't bother me for the rest of my life. I didn't realize the scratch was still there until I became involved with the Wizards and got close to the players and the competition. I started to itch for the challenge."

Jordan maintains his third coming is not about money or fame, acclaim or legend, winning scoring titles or championships. It's about playing basketball. Hanging out with the guys. Competing on the basketball court. It is, Jordan concedes, who and what he really is. It's as simple as that.

And, frankly, what's wrong with that?