John Salley is a prominent figure amongst NBA supporters from the 1980s and 1990s. The former four-time NBA champion joined the league in 1986 and had a tenured stay in the league which lasted over 13 years.
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The 58-year-old was an integral member of the ‘Bad Boy Pistons’ roster that won two championships conquering the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in two consecutive seasons.
His latter two championships came from two separate stints. One of those came alongside Michael Jordan in 1996. There was a predetermined history between them prior to his arrival in Illinois, considering his role with the Pistons.
The veteran has had a plethora of stories to share that occurred before and to him during his years. One such story was about a certain time when Charles Oakley made him pay for fooling around Jordan in front of famed celebrities.
Charles Oakley: The bodyguard of Michael Jordan?
Michael Jordan’s reputation and standing were never allowed to take a hit, courtesy of teammate Charles Oakley. Oakley has peripherally been the unspoken bodyguard for Jordan.
While appearing in an interview, Sally disclosed the one time that he was put in his place by Oakley, for goofing around with the six-time NBA champion in front of Dave Chapelle and Chris Tucker.
Salley stated-
“I got punched in the stomach by Oakley for messing with Michael like that in front of Scottie, in front of Dave Chapelle and Chris Tucker and they stopped me.. Dave Chapelle stops me, that’s Kentucky Derby right there Michael Jordan’s there and Charles Oakley’s over here I don’t see him but well, but usually where Michael is Oakley’s close to him punching anybody in the face..
Salley continued-
So Chris Tuck in here and they go right now right in front of your man..Michael or Kobe? The room is silent..And I turn I look at Michael and he’s sitting down there and he looks up at me and I go, money, at 27 years old, where Kobe was at the time he would give you the business, and out of nowhere Oakley punches me in the stomach.”
The moral of the story is do not make a mockery out of Michael Jordan in front of Charles Oakley or you will pay the price.
Not the first time Oakley has come to the defense of Jordan!
While some may be aghast at the remarks made by Salley, you would be surprised to know that this wasn’t the first time Oakley has come to the defense of Jordan.
During the initiation of the Detroit Pistons-Chicago Bulls rivalry in 1988, the former Bulls forward rushed to the rescue of Jordan who was fouled when he went in for a layup by Rick Mahorn.
Oakley didn’t take too kindly to the antic and proceeded to make a statement of his own when he lunged at Mahorn
His Airness was extremely impressed by the gesture that he vouched to pay the fine received by Oakley for his actions. Oakley declined the offer, however, opting to set the precedent rather.
The ideal teammate to have by your side.
Also read: Michael Jordan Once Offered to Pay Charles Oakley’s $2000 Fine!
