Before Terrorizing Richard Esquinas, Michael Jordan Dodged $50 Debts Owed to Bulls’ Rookies: “Afraid to Ask For the Money”

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. But, while he did deliver on the hardwood floor, he struggled to deliver when it came to making bets. All you have to do is ask Richard Esquinas, who, to this date, hasn’t collected on the $1.2 million that His Airness owes him in golfing debts. Collecting on MJ’s debts was incredibly difficult, as Jordan went as far as to indirectly threaten Richard when he brought up the matter. The thing is, it isn’t that surprising. After all, as mentioned in Sam Smith’s book The Jordan Rules, no one could approach the GOAT about his gambling debts. Including Chicago Bulls rookies who won a measly $50 to $100 off him.

Esquinas and Jordan were golfing buddies who often hit up the courses. And, as was the Hall of Famer’s habit, betting on their games was always the case.

In the wake of Michael Jordan’s refusal to pay $1.2 million golfing debt, Bulls rookies were afraid to ask him for $50

Michael Jordan was infamous for his gambling “addiction.” And, while he may not agree with that sentiment, the people he lost to would say otherwise.

It’s true, MJ won a lot of his bets. But, he also lost quite a few. The problem was the fact that he tried to dodge paying off those debts as much as possible.

Such was the case even for the smallest of debts he incurred. This included the $50 to $100 debts he made while playing pool with the Chicago Bulls rookies. And, while they did enjoy playing with the six-time NBA Champion and winning, the young stars were always too afraid to ask for their money.

“Jordan, in fact, had a well-earned reputation around the Bulls for not paying his gambling debts and was always dashing off after losing at pool and leaving $50 or $100 unpaid. Corey Williams, a rookie, always beat Jordan at pool but was always afraid to ask for the money. For the younger players, it was worth the money to play with Jordan. The veterans never did much with him, anyway.”

The rookies had every right to ask Jordan for their money. But, they knew better, especially considering his willingness to casually threaten someone’s life, albeit for a much larger $1.2 million.

Jordan said he would rather shoot Richard Esquinas than write him a check for $1.2 million

As mentioned earlier, Michael Jordan and Richard Esquinas were golfing buddies. The two frequented courses whenever they got the chance and regularly bet on their games. To the point where Michael racked up a debt of $1.2 million that he owed Richard.

But, Esquinas learned quickly that asking for the money was a big mistake. After all, His Airness once jokingly threatened to shoot him over paying off anything he owed. And, given the influence and power he has, his words were hard to doubt.

After hearing that, it’s safe to say that no one in their right mind would dare ask Jordan for anything. Lest they feel his wrath.