Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time. However, he had interests in sports outside of basketball as well. In fact, his favorite sport in the world is probably golf. In 1992 having been suspended and fined $5000 for bumping a referee, Jordan decided to spend his time wisely and jet to Orlando for a round.
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MJ’s love for golf is highly publicized. As he described in a discussion with Stephen Curry, it is, in his opinion the hardest game in the world. Why? Well, it’s because the only person you’re competing with is yourself. And, as revealed in Sam Smith’s The Jordan Rules, upon realizing he’d probably receive a suspension, His Airness decided to dedicate an extra day to challenge himself.
Michael Jordan decided to play golf after realizing he was in for a suspension
On February 5th, 1992, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had a slugfest of a game against the Utah Jazz. In a game that went to triple overtime, things went back and forth. However, by the third quarter, things were settled in the Jazz’s favor, following an untimely foul by Jordan himself.
The game ended 126-123 after MJ fouled Jeff Malone. It was a clear foul, but His Airness was not happy with the call. So, how did he react? He decided to purposely bump into the official in charge, Tommie Wood. A decision, that, as we all know, is a big “No No” in the NBA.
Following the incident, to no one’s surprise, Michael was fined $5000 and had to serve out a one-game suspension. He was infuriated, but on reviewing the footage, knew his fate was sealed. And, with one more game in Phoenix to go before the All-Star break in Orlando, His Airness hatched a master plan. He decided to head to O-Town a day early so that he could squeeze in a day of golf.
“On the flight to Phoenix, Jordan angrily played the foul over and over, but realizing he’d probably be suspended, he began making plans to head for Orlando a day early and for an extra day of golf.”
Given his love for golf, no one was surprised by his actions. He was and is obsessed with the sport and strongly believes it is the hardest game to play on planet Earth.
MJ revealed to Stephen Curry that he is obsessed with golf because it is the hardest game
Michael Jordan’s obsession with golf hasn’t exactly been healthy. The six-time NBA Champion has lost close to $1.2 million playing the game. However, as he revealed to another golfing fanatic Stephen Curry, his love for the sport stems from the fact that it is, in his opinion the hardest sport in the world.
Jordan stated in an interview with Curry, that golf, is far more competitive than basketball. Why? Because he is competing with himself.
One thing is for certain, regardless of the amount of money he wins or loses, Michael will always love playing golf. After all, his opponents in basketball went down too easy. So, he might as well face himself. Now, that is true a challenge.
