Deloris Jordan ‘Ditched’ Princess Diana’s Gala Mid-Way to Attend Michael Jordan’s 1996 Finals Game 5

Nithin Joseph | 13/12/2022
Deloris Jordan 'Ditched' Princess Diana's Gala Mid-Way to Attend Michael Jordan's 1996 Finals Game 5

At one point in time, Michael Jordan was the most popular figure in the world. However, he did have some competition with regard to his stardom.

Back in the 90s, there were plenty of famous celebrity figures. MJ aside, Princess Diana was perhaps the only person who could challenge His Airness.

Heck, even Jordan’s own mother had a hard time picking between the two. After all, she had to choose between a nice dinner with Diana and watching her son play basketball.

Also Read: “Michael Jordan Can’t Stop Me”: Sixers 2x All-Star Was ‘Humbled’ by MJ for Talking Trash in the Press

Deloris Jordan once had dinner with Princess Diana and watched her son’s game on the same night

On the 14th of June 1996, Michael Jordan was preparing to play in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. He was facing the Seattle Supersonics in what would be a big game for him.

As such, you would expect all those important him to be in attendance. However, that night also happened to be the night when Princess Diana was visiting Chicago. So it comes as no surprise, that Jordan’s mom Deloris was in a bit of a conundrum. After all, she was a big Diana fan and wanted to attend the gala. But her son was also playing at the same time.

So, what did she do? Attend both events, of course.

“On the eve of the series, Princess Di visited Chicago for a medical fundraiser at the Field Museum of Natural History. Deloris Jordan, a serious Diana fan, was confounded by the conflicting events. She wanted to attend the candlelit evening of dinner and dancing, so she slipped into an evening gown and attended the dinner with the princess, then changed clothes and dashed across town to watch her son. “I know Michael expects me to be there,” she explained.”

A true testament to just how much Deloris Jordan loves her son. Although that was sometimes displayed in the form of tough love.

Deloris Jordan had to force Michael Jordan onto the flight for the Nike meeting

In 1984, Michael Jordan was preparing to sign his infamous Nike deal. However, at the time, MJ was not too keen on it and almost decided to skip the flight to Oregon to finalize the deal. Luckily for him, he had a strict mother who forced him on the plane, making both him and Nike a lot of money in the process.

Safe to say the entire sneaker world is grateful for Deloris, and Michael sure is too.

Also Read: “I Own Sonny Vaccaro’s Stupid Game”: When 7ft 1″ Shaquille O’Neal Unleashed His Rage After Being Disrespected by Michael Jordan’s $1.3 Bn Ticket

Post Edited By: Raahib Singh
Deloris Jordan Michael Jordan

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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