There are no two ways that Michael Jordan was a once-in-a-lifetime attraction, capturing the imagination of millions with his magic on the hardwood. The Bulls legend opened the NBA doors internationally, helping popularise the sport beyond the borders of the United States of America.
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His Airness was the perfect role model, family man, and sports icon, making individuals from all age groups swoon to him. However, away from the public glitz and glamor, MJ did face his struggles, the most tragic being the death of his father, James Jordan.
On the fateful date of 23rd July 1993, James Jordan found himself in a horrific situation of carjacking in Lumberton, North Carolina. What followed was two teenagers named Daniel Green and Larry Martin murdering Jordan Sr. and dumping his body in a swamp in South Carolina.
It’s no secret the close relationship MJ shared with his father, referring to him as ‘Pops.’ Thus one can only imagine the turmoil the former Bulls guard went through, something he would speak about at length with his friend, philanthropist, and talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
Michael Jordan reveals why he never spoke to the killers of his father, James Jordan.
Post his father’s tragic death, Jordan decided to retire from the NBA despite being at the prime of his career. The Bulls guard had confessed to having lost the desire to play. Nearly three months to his father’s tragic murder decision, MJ sat down for a candid chat with Oprah Winfrey.
A close friend of Mike, Winfrey, revealed how seeing the images of the Bulls guard’s father’s convicts made her want to confront them, asking MJ if he too felt the same, to which he replied the following. Below are some excerpts from the clip.
“Well, I haven’t got to that stage yet,” said the Jordan.
“You know it’s been a very tough time for me to deal with, and I don’t really have any feelings against them yet because I guess it hadn’t really sunk in yet. It’s a lot of sadness out there with people who do these things for whatever reasons that they choose to do them.”
When asked if he would have want to ask them why the six-time champion had the following to say, “No, because I don’t want to know because it would probably hurt me even more just to know their reason because if it is, it’s going to be totally meaningless. It’s better that I don’t know.”
Post announcing his retirement, MJ would pursue his father’s dream of wanting him to play baseball.
“I’m Back”: Michael Jordan would make his comeback to the NBA in epic fashion.
Unfortunately, Jordan failed to replicate his hardwood success on the baseball pitch, ultimately leading to the six-time Finals MVP returning to his first love.
Post a bit of a hiccup in the 1995 playoffs, Air Jordan would catapult him on top of the heap, 3-peating from 1996-98 and being the Finals MVP each time. The Hall of Famer’s 1996-97 season deserved a special mention, given the Bulls’ 72-10 record and fourth title, coupled with his individual that included league, All-Star, and Finals MVP, along with his 8th scoring title.
