Michael Jordan was blessed to have grown up with a father in his life, something he feels other players could have greatly benefited from.
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Jordan unfortunately lost his father, James R. Jordan Sr., in 1993 in a murder case, but he did certainly enjoy the company of his father throughout his formative years, perhaps the most crucial time for any person has they try to figure out who they are and their place in the world.
Many NBA players faced difficulties growing up as single-parent homes were extremely prevalent among NBA athletes. This is something Jordan believed was incredibly damaging. Jordan is extremely grateful for his father, and he dedicated his 1996 NBA Finals win to his father as he won the series clincher on Father’s Day.
Michael Jordan Believes That Some Of The Bad Habits NBA Players Picked Had To Do With A Lack Of A Father
Jordan, for all of his trash talking and calling people out, has never had any trouble when it comes to his personal life. He’s never had issues with the law, and in general, he’s been a good person.
In 1988, Jordan believed that younger athletes in the game were acting out, and it all had to do with the fact that they weren’t receiving the support of two parents. He would say:
“I know people are concerned about the behavior of some young players, but it starts at home. I’ve always said that. I wish some of the other guys in the league could have had fathers at home, just to see what it’s like, just to see how much better people they could be.”
Jordan also spoke about how he got a much better look on this perspective after becoming a father himself:
“Two-parent homes aren’t as prevalent anymore. Single-parent, either way, you’re missing the opposite influence of the missing parent. I had both parents. It helped my decision-making immensely. Especially now that I am a father, making choices like a father, talking to my kids. Like my father did with me.”
Jordan definitely had a very strong and initmate relationship with his father, something that greatly contributed to his character and his success in the league.
That’s why when Jordan won the 1996 Finals on Father’s Day, after losing his dad, it was something so incredibly emotional and powerful. MJ would recall:
“Well, I can’t even put it in words. On Father’s Day, what it means to me. I know he’s watching. To my wife and to my kids, to my mother, my brothers, and sisters, this is for daddy.”
