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The Calhoun Shot

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For the NFL running back, see Don Calhoun.

The Calhoun Shot
DateApril 14, 1993 (1993-04-14)
VenueChicago Stadium
LocationChicago, Illinois, US
Also known asThe Immaculate Connection
TypePromotional event
Budget$1 million
Organized by
ParticipantsDon Calhoun

The Calhoun Shot, also known as the Immaculate Connection,[1][2] was a basketball shot made by spectator Don Calhoun during a timeout in the third quarter of a Chicago Bulls–Miami Heat game on April 14, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, United States.[3][4][5] The shot was part of a promotion that offered 1 million dollars to any fan who could make a 75-foot shot through the basket from the free-throw line at the opposite end of the court.[6][7] At the time, Calhoun's shot was reportedly the first time anyone had ever made a three-quarters promotional shot. However, a spectator had succeeded in this shot in 1989, winning a car.[4]

The insurance company that was required to make the payoff, American Hole 'N One Inc, voided the payment because Calhoun had played college basketball, a violation of the rules. However, the sponsors of the event, Coca-Cola, the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, and the Bulls, pledged to cover the prize if the insurance company would not. As a result, Calhoun got $50,000 a year over the next 20 years.[8] The insurance company still benefited from the publicity.[4] The shot, and the news coverage it gained, are credited with the rise of similar promotions during sport events.[1][9]

Contestant

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Don Calhoun was, at the time, an office supplies salesman.[10][11] He had played basketball for Bloomington High School and later for Triton College during the 1988–1989 season. Following the shot, he signed a one-year contract with the Harlem Globetrotters.[12][13]

He later continued to work with office supplies, earning approximately $38,000 (after taxes) every year until 2013. He characterized the money as nice, but not something that made him feel rich. Thirty years after making the shot, Calhoun lives in the Midwest and has four children, one of whom became the first in his family to earn a college degree, and later a medical degree partly thanks to his father's prize money.[1]

As of 2023, the ball that was used to make the shot is in the possession of Calhoun's son, Dr. Clarence Calhoun II.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Ryan Hockensmith (April 11, 2023). "The $1 million shot that changed sports contests forever". ESPN. Retrieved April 15, 2023. It dropped, and dropped, and dropped, and... swish. Right through the net. Calhoun threw his arms toward the rafters, and the crowd let out one of those levels of cheers that aggravates the arena neighbors.
  2. ^ Lisa Bessone (April 26, 1993). "Don Calhoun". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  3. ^ "Flashback: Bulls fan drains $1 million shot in 1993". ESPN. April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Nancy Ryan (April 16, 1993). "Million-dollar shot: Who pays for miracle?". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  5. ^ Pamela Swanigan (May 28, 1994). "All that glitters". The Vancouver Sun. pp. D10–D11. Retrieved April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  6. ^ Michael Wilbon (April 16, 1993). "Long shot comes home a million-dollar winner". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  7. ^ "Chicago Bulls: 'Million Dollar Shot' man will get his money". United Press International. April 18, 1993. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  8. ^ Mal Florence (April 20, 1993). "Insurance Company Tries to Call a Technical on $1-Million Shot". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  9. ^ Mark Kram (April 14, 1994). "Same guy, only richer". Philadelphia Daily News. pp. 84–85. Retrieved April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  10. ^ Stefan Schürle (April 14, 2023). "Der verrückteste Wurf der Geschichte?". Sport1 (in German). Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  11. ^ Ira Berkow (April 28, 1993). "Making the Shot Michael Couldn't Make". New York Times. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  12. ^ Jay Horning (March 13, 1994). "$1-million basket changed his life". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  13. ^ "One-Shot Wonder Now A 'Trotter". The Seattle Times. January 17, 1994. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
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