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“Instead of shooting ball with little white kids, let’s see Michael Jordan come down to the hood”: When Tupac expressed his disdain towards Jordan’s disengagement with the black community

Samir Mehdi
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“Instead of shooting ball with little white kids, let’s see Michael Jordan come down to the hood”: When Tupac expressed his disdain towards Jordan’s disengagement with the black community

Tupac once called out Michael Jordan for fraternizing with ‘little white kids’ instead of being a role model to kids growing up in the hood. 

Michael Jordan let it be known on several occasions that being one of the greatest and certainly most famous athletes of all time wasn’t a walk in the park. In his 1992 interview with Playboy, he challenged his fans to put themselves in his shoes and see how it felt to have millions of people try to track every one of your movements every single day. 

However, despite the immense fame, Jordan made time for his fans. While it may have been taxing to sign autographs and jerseys at 3am in your hotel lobby, he did it to the best of his abilities. His role in North American sports as a role model is often overshadowed by his cold demeanor at times.

Also read: “No question that I would take LeBron James over Michael Jordan!”: When ‘Bad Boy’ Pistons legend, Bill Laimbeer firmly picks Lakers star over Bulls #23

Truth is, Michael Jordan is man of many admirable values. He’s done everything from donate his salary in 2002 to 9/11 relief funds to get involved with various charities such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the UNCF/ College Fund. 

There were however, several doubters on whether or not Michael had the purest of intentions in mind. Tupac Shakur was one of them. 

Tupac on Michael Jordan. 

Michael Jordan wasn’t exactly someone who showed up to local parks to play with random kids. It’s impossible for players of Jordan’s stature to play basketball in such a public domain. Tupac Shakur, one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time, disproved of Jordan and his negligence towards kids in the hood.

Also read: “I am glad that I was naive to a certain extent”: When Michael Jordan tried explaining his lack of engagement in the fight against racism

“You know Michael Jordan? I never seen Michael Jordan in the hood. Let’s see Jordan come down to the inner city, just a parking lot, and shoot ball with the kids. I bet you that would change their life, instead of going to some suburban PAL unit, shooting ball with all the- excuse men, but with all the little white kids that always heroes to shoot ball with.” 

“They got dad to shoot ball with, grandpa to shoot ball with, uncles to shoot ball with, godfathers to shoot ball with, their friends, their neighbors.” 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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