NEW YORK (WCBS 880)  -- They're called the 'rarest of the air.' The Nike Air Jordan XX3 Premiers sneakers debut today at the NBA Store at Fifth Ave. and 52nd St.

WCBS reporter Paul Murnane was there with the line of people praying to get the chance to own the $240 pair of red and black leather autographed by Michael Jordan and bearing his thumbprint.

Raj Badeo, of Queens, was shocked to hear Murnane ask, "Isn't it only a sneaker."

"Only a sneaker?" Badeo replied.  "I'm having a heart attack, call the ambulance! Is Michael Jordan just a basketball player? NO!"

Murnane reports that there has been a line on this corner for days.

R. Steven Harris, of Atlanta even spit a verse for the occasion. "I''m eighteen, in line I'm fine. I'm waitin for my J's, it's cold as hell but I don't care coz it's about to be a good day."