"He will donate his first year's salary to the victims of the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks" - Michael Jordan's selfless act that went unnoticed

A potential GOAT candidate returning to the big stage should theoretically earn him a lot of money. However, this wasn't the case when 38-year-old Michael Jordan came out of retirement for the second time to join the Washington Wizards in the 2001-02 season. Still, a single act of kindness showed that Jordan wasn't after money.

MJ donated his earnings to 9/11 victims

Mike could have commanded virtually any salary from the Wizards. After all, his presence alone transformed the franchise into one of the league's main attractions—ticket prices soared wherever they played, and most of their games were nationally televised.

Despite single-handedly increasing the organization's profitability, Mike refused to pocket any money. Having announced his return days after the 9/11 tragedy, Jordan opted not to give interviews "out of deference to the victims."

Although he was entitled to earn only $1 million in salary that season—the lowest since 1988—the legendary guard donated that money to a worthy cause.

"Jordan said he will donate his first year's salary to the victims of the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks," a Washinton Post article read .

According to CNN , Jordan donated $100,000 to help the children who lost their parents at the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. The rest of his salary went to other organizations that helped the victims.

Ugly end to Jordan's Wizards stint

Already established as arguably the greatest player in NBA history, Jordan wasn't motivated by money when he joined the Wizards. Though he averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals over two seasons in Washington, he couldn't lead the franchise to the postseason. However, he was as demanding of a leader as he was in his Chicago Bulls days. With no NBA championships to show for it, this approach didn't sit well with the rest of the squad in the nation's capital.

Mike's tenure as a player and front-office executive ended in 2003 after Abe Pollin, the team's majority owner, decided it was time for the organization to move on. The two sides didn't part on good terms, with Jordan unapologetically rejecting a $10 million severance package on the way out .

Related: Lawrence Taylor recalls Michael Jordan begging for foul calls during their UNC scrimmages: "I just hit you a little bit, come on, man"