Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are responsible for making the NBA a known commodity within the United States but Michael Jordan is responsible for taking it overseas. Children from halfway across the globe knew who ‘His Airness’ was, whether it was through his play, his shoes, or his endorsements.
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The 6x NBA Finals MVP was the biggest sporting icon since Muhammed Ali, if not bigger, and it’s clear from a slew of documentaries that he could never truly have any peace of mind. Any time he left his residence or the hotel he was staying at, he was swarmed with media and fans wanting pictures or autographs.
Many believe that being an NBA star is just playing 48 minutes a night and going home. There is so much more than contributes to an athlete feeling lethargic. Post-game press conferences, physical therapy, practices, hitting the gym; these all result in a player wanting some semblance of peace and serenity when they get time for themselves.
Michael Jordan on disrespectful fans
Michael Jordan did an interview with Playboy in 1992 where he talked about what it was like to live in his shoes. He firmly believes that the regular man or woman wouldn’t survive too long if they received the amount of attention that he did.
He gave an example of a road trip he was on in Denver when fans, as usual swarmed him. It was well past midnight and Jordan simply wanted to rest.
“On one road trip, we got into Denver at 3 in the morning and there were people sitting in the hotel lobby. I was tired. I said, ‘I’m sorry, please. I’m tired.’ Then I heard, ‘I guess that’s the Jordan rules.’ I just kept on walking. One of these days I’m going to say, ‘Go screw yourself.’ Maybe when I’m walking out of the league,” said Michael.
The Jordan Rules and life after retirement for Michael Jordan
‘The Jordan Rules’ was a book written by Sam Smith that showcased a different side to Michael Jordan. It claimed he was a ‘tyrant’ and was an unpleasant presence to be around during practice or even in games.
Of course, Michael never told fans to go ‘screw themselves’ upon walking out from the league officially in 2003. He received nothing but love and admiration from fans.
Though, his hatred towards the public eye is on display in his retirement as he clearly does not want to be photographed. He rarely steps out and when he does, he makes sure the media does not approach him.
