In 1992, it was revealed that Michael Jordan had an unexpected involvement with a convicted drug dealer. His Airness was involved in the legal proceedings of James “Slim” Bouler. Jordan was asked to testify on behalf of Bouler after it was found that he had written a check for $57,000 to him. A check that he claims was written in order to pay off some gambling debts he had incurred.
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It was a dicey situation, but one that, as revealed in Sam Smith’s book The Jordan Rules, gave Michael’s Chicago Bulls teammates a lot of pleasure. After all, it was the perfect opportunity for them to pay back Jordan for all his bullying over the years. However, for MJ, this was the start of a long battle with depression.
Michael Jordan was the target of Bulls teammates’ Scarface taunts after his involvement in the Slim Bouler case
Michael Jordan’s gambling vice is a well-documented subject. The six-time NBA Champion had a problem, and while he may not agree with that word, the tabloids certainly disagree. There have been many reports of Jordan’s addiction. But, perhaps the most infamous one surrounded James “Slim” Bouler. Bouler was a convicted cocaine dealer and money launderer, who was brought up on charges for the same in 1992.
But, how does His Airness tie into this situation? Well, it was revealed that Jordan had written a check for $57,000 in Bouler’s name. Fortunately for MJ, he made it clear that the check was given in order to write off his gambling debts to Bouler. Debts he had incurred through losses in golf, poker, and another betting when he once hung out with “Slim”.
That was the extent of their relationship, but the incident nevertheless left Jordan scarred. Upon his return to practice, his Bulls teammates took the news as an opportunity to get back at him for all his bullying over the years. They started taunting him, making references to the 1983 Al Pacino film Scarface
“In the locker room, Jordan seemed to be growing more remote, even frightened, to his teammates. They wouldn’t miss the opportunity to wield the knife he so often drew. “Hey, Scarface,” they’d shout at Jordan, or “Five-card Charlie.” Jordan took it well, but was also now practicing at a firing range with a laser-sighted pistol. Some players wondered if he was fearful because of the investigation.”
It certainly was a traumatic time for Jordan. One that sent him into a deep depression. After all, his involvement with Slim, his decision to lie about it, and to further the lie by denying his gambling addiction greatly impacted him.
Jordan’s public image took a major hit following the case
The Slim Bouler case had a major effect on Michael Jordan. As mentioned earlier, it had left him scared and traumatized, but it also had an impact outside of his personal life. His lies about being involved with Slim Boular and his eventual confession laid bare his problems with gambling.
What’s more, it completely changed public perception of him and even caused the NBA to get involved, as they reprimanded him following the incident.
It was a bad look for His Airness. However, despite everything he was put through, Jordan’s gambling never stopped. All he did was learn to live with the ridicule and moved on.
