Michael Jordan has always credited both of his parents, Delores and James, for where he is in his life currently. While their methods of parenting sometimes did involve a bit of physicality, the eventual 6x NBA Finals MVP has never once expressed remorse over his upbringing.
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They most definitely were strict but when they saw potential, they nurtured it. Jordan not making the Varsity basketball team in his sophomore year as Laney crushed him but it was his mother who eventually told him to not give up on the sport despite the setback.
Sure enough, MJ’s determination and unwillingness to give up coupled with him growing well past 6 feet in the summer between sophomore and junior year helped him make Varsity and actually excel as their primary scorer.
Jordan’s mom had a phone call ritual with her son
A lot of what has happened with Michael Jordan when it comes to all things positive is thanks to Deloris Jordan. She was incredibly smart with her upbringing for Michael and remained equally as smart when he made it big as a Chicago Bull in the NBA.
After all, she alongside James forced Michael into hearing Nike’s contract and eventually made him take the $2.5 million over 5 years.
During an interview with Cigar Aficionado, Jordan opened up about the advice his mother and father used to and still give him to this day. His mother, following every phone call, after saying ‘I love you’, would follow it up with ‘Keep your nose clean’.
What she meant by this was that she simply wanted Michael to stay away from trouble.
When you live a life that’s in the spotlight as much as Jordan’s is, it’s easy to find yourself in situations that aren’t all too savory. Whether it be surrounding yourself with questionable people or making poor financial decisions, Delores just wanted her son to be smart and think twice before making a decision.
Did Michael Jordan stay out of trouble?
Well, as everybody does in their life, Michael Jordan as well did make quite a few mistakes. Everything from making golf bets with Slim Bouler to him being called out for infidelity due to love letters found between him and other women, Jordan was far from perfect.
However, he grew from it all. After having started with a clean slate following his divorce from Juanita Vanoy, he would find love once again in the form of Cuban model, Yvette Prieto. They have been married for almost 10 years now and share two twin daughters with one another.
