Despite Michael Jordan’s $100,000,000 Contribution, Isiah Thomas ‘Snubs’ MJ for LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in Political Activism

Bill Russell has an unprecedented record in terms of winning championships. However, more than just basketball, Russell contributed heavily to change the lives of Black people in America. In a recent interview, NBA legend Isiah Thomas pointed out that after the end of the Detroit Pistons era, the voice against racial issues died down. However, in the modern era, players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul have again carried the mantle forward from the legends of the past decades. Interestingly, IT snubbed Michael Jordan from the list of socially conscious people

After the tragic demise of George Floyd through police brutality in Minneapolis, scores of athletes and thought leaders came out in protest. As the “Black Lives Matter” protests spread throughout America, it became apparent how important it was to protect and conserve the lives of minorities in the US. In the wake of the protest, Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand donated $100,ooo,ooo to “ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.” However, Thomas decided to snub Jordan when bringing up the contributions of athletes to social movements, which is not surprising considering their long-lasting feud.

Isiah Thomas snubs Michael Jordan, gives LeBron James his props

During a recent appearance on the Sway’s Universe podcast, Isiah Thomas said that the players in the modern era have brought back the voices that were silent for decades. “So excited that this generation of players brought the voice back to the voices,” remarked Thomas.

According to Thomas, there are only three outlets where black people can get their voices heard. They are; sports, entertainment, and the arts. He also added that whenever a team wins a championship and the players get the mic to speak, that is the time they should use to speak for the fans. He recalled the speech of Shane Battier during the Miami Heat championship. Thomas highlighted the fact that athletes like LBJ, CP3, and Melo were not just about endorsements. They used their platforms to speak on social and racial issues to change lives in their communities. 

James actively voiced his opinions during the BLM protests while the NBA playoffs were being held in the Bubble in Orlando. King James has constantly asked the press and media to remain just and fair when it comes to racial elements in social narratives. He had also openly expressed his disappointment with the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. He once openly called the former president a “bum” when Stephen Curry declined to go to the White House after winning the NBA Championship in 2017. 

“U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!“

However, Thomas’ monologue on modern athletes speaking out against social injustice also managed to snub Michael Jordan and point out his avoidance of political matters. The two-time NBA Champion said during the podcast, “After we go off the stage[after Pistons stopped winning Championships], there was a long silence, where the athletes didn’t really speak for the community.” Therefore, Thomas took a little dig at MJ and the Bulls, pitting them against the social awareness of James and Co.

Jordan’s reputation in social activism

For many, snubbing Jordan from the list of socially conscious athletes might be too much. He did donate a massive amount during the BLM protest in good conscience. However, while MJ played, there were times when one could have said, ‘I wish Jordan did this.’ When he was once asked why he didn’t support the potential first Black senator Harvey Gantt in North Carolina, his response was, “Republicans buy sneakers too.’

Craig Hodges was one of the members of the Bulls team from 1988 to 1992. Since entering the league, he averaged 40% from the three-point line, which could still be a big feat by today’s standards. However, when Craig wanted to sit out Game 1 of the NBA Finals to protest the death of Rodney King, Jordan did not support him. Hodges never again played in the NBA.