Some say it's just his "competitiveness," but I think he's someone who refuses to accept the idea basketball goes on without him. If you're not a competitive person or just don't understand Michael Jordan, that could likely be your reaction.While some people may have thought Jordan seemed unsatisfied and bitter that he no longer played basketball anymore, I was in awe at the hunger still gleaming in his eyes six years later.Jordan's speech—besides being very funny—was honest, candid, and original.Although David Robinson, John Stockton, and Jerry Sloan all gave touching speeches, in reality we have heard those same types of speeches a hundred times before from other players.But Jordan, just like he showed on the court, showed again why he is so unique during his speech. He has been criticized for supposedly taking "shots" at people, thanking the wrong people, concentrating too much on his competitive nature, and trying to get one last "slam dunk" on everyone.Although I disagree, I can completely see how some people reacted that way to his speech. Thompson went to NC I lived in Chicago from his rookie year through the second retirement and feel really lucky I got to experience that. I can't count the number of times that the flu game has gotten me into the office.Nothing to debate, the man is arguably the greatest to ever play the game, Who the hell really cares what MJ said in his speech? That's why you had to put arguably in your second sentence. Oh well, Mr.
Michael Jordan's controversial Hall of Fame speech he gave this past Friday has been characterized by some as petty, bitter, and cruel. It assumes that our relationship with a star athlete is entirely emotional and stems from own needs, as if we're all looking for the superstar athlete who will complete us.I don't need Jordan to be a heel or a hero. I'm not sure if he was trying to do something that didn't really work, or if there's still bitterness in him and this was his chance to really let it go.
My apologies.My recollection during his career was that MJ was known for being (much like Tiger Woods) too plain-vanilla in his comments and not speaking out enough except for trash talking on the court (and what NBA player doesn't do that)? Jordan didn't hurt his image with the NBA community as much as he reminded them of it.
So Jordan didn't meet your expectations of class. The stories in the There are two ways of looking at Jordan's speech. Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt regardless if that person is an athlete or not since no one is perfect and we all make mistakes, we just don't make those mistakes with the world watching to scrutinize our every move. Most superstar athletes hide the underlying anger a little better. One article on Yahoo! Huh? My bad, yes I did. No one has come within 10 points a game average for a season for decades. (Many would argue that Brett Favre is at the front end of that road). He coupled an immense talent with an exaggerated response to criticism that never let him rest on his accomplishments. On one hand, it's remarkably ungracious to give the appearance that you are settling old scores by mentioning so many personal slights that bothered you during your athletic career. Source CJ Gunther/Corbis But in all the hoopla over Jordan’s supposed gracelessness, his critics missed a … Maybe Brown found out Jordan was a jerk and said, "Screw him." of the 4 other guys, he also sounded the least educated in his delivery, style, and language. Yikes. No one else could've gotten away with that speech, its pettiness, unflattering words, recriminations except for jordan. it doesn't change much, his legacy has been seared into memory long ago, long before this decade with the wizards. ... he was petty and punitive. Well put.We expect it because it's the norm. He hasn't made this big an ass of himself since he pretended he could play baseball.And that doesn't take away from him being the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. people knew him as this. jordan is who he is. He's a jerk. And why is it Jim Brown never tried to make Jordan more of a voice among blacks? Jordan's career brought him six NBA championships, one NCAA championship and a current net worth of $555 million. I just don't think anyone should be surprised when a superstar athlete falls short of grace.Yeah, that was strange. I loved Jordan, the player, but if he faded into the sunset as a person, I'd not miss him at all.Always was and always will be a complete douchebag.This report doesn't do a good job of explaining why Jordan's speech was obnoxious. Is that why after 20-odd years, MJ's shoe line is still bringing in millions of dollars and still one of the more popular sneakers availiable? The fact the guy only mentions his family as an afterthought points to the fact he's a self-absorbed, ego-maniac with no class at all. he owed words to a coddling media whom he never forgave for the gambling allegations (true). I'm neither disappointed nor elated at his actions. How as a kid, he was born into a competitive family and had to deal with not only his older brothers but also his younger sister on a competitive level.
Memo to athletes entering the HOF: If you're a jerk, make sure you appease the masses by I never understand this kind of response when an athlete is the butt of criticism.
Why he had to come across in this manner, I don't know. It was nice.
I still like Mike. His career numbers are absolutely amazing.