The title of this post says it all on so many different levels, the man who defined gravity over his NBA reign was just as cold in his acceptance speech as he was on the court. While I sat watching the H.O.F induction ceremony I listened to John Stockton, and David Robinson thank old teammates, coaches, and the organization that drafted players in order for them to win. The Admiral even said he prayed to god to send him a compliment the likes of Tim Duncan, and even went on to call him the "Greatest power forward to play the game."
Listening to MJ's speech you only heard him genuinely thank Scottie Pippen for "being there during my 6 championships", and even that was somewhat of a slight. Without Pippen Jordan arguably could have had no rings and just a host of scoring titles. His Airness referenced the Chicago organization saying "The organization didn't play with the flu in Utah". No Mike they didn't, but what they did do was give you Toni Kukoc and Dennis Rodman (who were both in attendance but not mentioned) to help you win, when your skills were on the decline.
One of the biggest surprises of the night was Jordan's take on Isiah Thomas and George Gervin whom were deemed responsible for his '85 All-Star freeze out. "I wanted to prove to you and everybody that I deserved to be there just much as anybody else, and I hope over the period of my career I've done that without a doubt." I was 2 years old when that 'freeze out" occured and had to research what he was talking about. My point is that it was 24 years ago..WHO CARES! He went on to say that they were the reason his competitive fire never died and even told his kids "I wouldn't want to be you."
Like most great men and women in history they are flawed. JFK had Marilyn, Whitney had Bobby, and MJ has well; his own ego. The sad part of the whole night, is that Jordan didn't see a thing wrong with anything he was saying. You almost wanted him to laugh off some of the lines, but it never happened. He spoke from the heart and you could tell he meant every word of it, even when he said "Don't be surprised if you see me back at 50."
On a night when being gracious and humble is expected, Jordan fell to an all-time low and did more to stain his legacy than he ever could have in a Wizards jersey. Charles Barkley looked shocked during the ceremony (not once did MJ mention him) and rightefully so listening to MJ relish the memories of torching (overated defender) Byron Russel. I admire Jordan for what he did on the court and his business model off the court, but I draw the line there. Our society puts athletes on platforms when they achieve the unthinkable, and its only right to show them to their seat when their time is up.
Michael Jeffrey Jordan Welcome To The Hall Of Fame..Please Take Your Seat!
'Agent 34
