“Just Freeloading Here”: When ‘Dictator’ Michael Jordan’s Tough Love Helped Rachel Nichols Come Out of Her Cocoon

Known as one of the most impactful female journalists of all time, Rachel Nichols started her journey back in the 1990s. She started her career off as a college stringer. She would represent various newspapers for NBA games, including those of the Chicago Bulls. Speaking on Kevin Garnett’s Certified podcast, Nichols revealed that it was Michael Jordan who helped her out of her cocoon back in 1998.

Jordan was known for his frank and no-nonsense policy which he applied towards his teammates as well. His tough love could prove useful, something that was true in the case of Nichols. She was asked to stop freeloading by Jordan, who later praised the question that she ended up asking.

Rachel Nichols was helped by Michael Jordan’s tough love

Nichols claimed that making it in her field as a woman was a huge challenge. While she had her struggles and was nervous during his early days, Jordan proved extremely nice.

During a post-practice conference that she was attending, Michael Jordan ended up noticing her and wanted her to speak up. The incident took place at the Berto Center where the Bulls used to practice.

Jordan had noticed Nichols despite being in a crowded room. He later praised the question after answering it thoroughly:

“Remember the Berto Center where the Bulls used to practice and uh Michael just like in the group of you know 15 reporters  and writers he was like you he’s like do you speak? I was like ‘Yes’. And he goes ‘Well why aren’t you asking questions, you’re just freeloading here, what are you doing?’ So I found my voice, asked my question and to his credit and all those guys I will say because I’ve been in around teams that were not so welcoming to young women or people who are new um he answered me really thoroughly and he was like that’s a good question. Ever since that moment covering that team that gave me a lot of confidence to just sort of be like okay if I’m gonna be here I better show up.”

MJ was known to push his teammates as much as he could

Michael Jordan’s desperation and will to win are known by all. The player did his all in ensuring that his team ended up winning as dominantly as it could.

This sometimes-required Jordan demanding the best out of his teammates. This included the time when Jordan demanded Toni Kukoc to step up in the absence of both Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.

MJ had asked Kukoc to not embarrass the Air Jordans that he was wearing. In response, Kukoc delivered a string of performances that raised his stats comprehensively. There is little doubt that Jordan employed a similar strategy toward Rachel Nichols.