MICHAEL JORDAN - JORDAN'S GAMBLING SHAME

Basketball superstar MICHAEL JORDAN is ashamed of how far he allowed gambling to take over his life, although he draws the line at being labelled a compulsive gambler.

The 42-year-old is "embarrassed" by his addiction to placing bets and admits his weakness arises from a sportsman's desire to always win.

In an interview with ED BRADLEY on US TV show 60 MINUTES, to be screened this weekend (22/23OCT05), Jordan says, "I've gotten myself into (gambling) situations where I would not walk away and I've pushed the envelope.

"I want to go out on a limb and win, and sometimes that can take you past the stage where... you know you should probably take a step back from.

"But my drive to win is so great I just step over that line. It's very embarrassing... one of the things you totally regret. So you look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'I was stupid.'"