Jordan's Speech Was Classless, but Real
By Scott Burks
Michael Jordan
was the head of a star-studded lineup inducted into the Basketball Hall of
Fame last week. That list included David Robinson, John Stockton,
Jerry Sloan, and C. Vivian Stringer.
The induction speeches of the latters was
pretty much what I expected. They were classy, gracious, and sprinkled
with funny anecdotes. In short, it was a good, comfortable night until
"His Airness" took the podium.
Those who said Jordan's speech was classless
and petty may have been a bit kind. He pretty much laid out all the
people who he felt slighted him throughout his high school, college, and pro
career. My favorite was Jordan laying out his former high school
teammate, Leroy Smith. Poor Leroy had the misfortune of making the
final cut of the varsity basketball team ahead of Jordan. The messed
up part about that was Jordan actually FLEW IN Smith for his induction
ceremony. I mean, how does that work?
"Hey Leroy, I want to fly you in for my
induction ceremony so I can lay your ass out..."
While Jordan's induction speech was indeed a bit petty and
beneath him, I do appreciate his speech for one reason: it was real.
Not to say that the other inductees' speeches were not heartfelt, I'm sure
they were (especially Robinson's). However, it was refreshing to see a
high-profile sports legend let folks into his world. Jordan definitely
let everyone know who and what motivated him to being one of the best
all-time NBA players (I'd still say Magic Johnson was the best).
Jordan reminded us what drives players of any sport to being the best --
taking every slight (real or perceived) and using them to fuel their
competitive fires.
So props to Jordan for keeping real during his
induction speech, even if he was petty and classless in doing so.
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