Michael Jordan opened up about his averseness to contemporary politics in an iconic 1992 interview for Playboy magazine. The Bulls superstar explained in detail the reason why he avoids getting involved in political activism despite having the resources to affect change. In addition, Michael Jordan also defended his controversial political stances in the past.
Michael Jordan’s relationship with the press has been uneven throughout his career. Therefore, we don’t have the privilege to enjoy an abundance of interviews with the six-time NBA champion.
However, in this interview, Jordan openly talks about a lot of intensely personal topics that shocked the world after publication.
Michael Jordan talks about his views on politics
The Chicago Bulls drafted Michael Jordan in 1984. Soon after, he established himself as the best player in the league. In fact, the 6’6″ guard cemented himself as one of the most influential figures in the country and beyond.
However, Jordan refused to utilize his influence to induce change in the country. In other words, he decided not to endorse the former Charlotte mayor Harvey Gantt in his race for the U.S. Senate. Incidentally, Gantt was running as a Democratic nominee against the incumbent Republican Jesse Helms in Jordan’s home state of North Carolina.
At this point, a large section of the African-American community wanted Jordan to utilize his influence in North Carolina to help elect Gantt. The former mayor was a black politician in a country still very much under the claws of racism.
However, the 14-time All-Star refused to endorse Gantt. Instead, he donated some money to the politician’s campaign cause. As it turns out, this move outraged a large section of the African-American community.
“I chose not to[endorse Gantt] because I didn’t know of his achievements, I didn’t know if he had some negative things against him,” Jordan explained. “Before I put myself on the line, at least I wanted to know who this guy was.”
“So I sent Gantt some money as a contribution. But that was never publicized,” he added.
Jordan as a role model
Michael Jordan once joked that he doesn’t engage in politics because Republicans buy his sneakers too. This statement coupled with his stance on Gantt made a large swath of the Black community feel betrayed by him.
However, Jordan has repeatedly denounced any affiliation to politics. Instead, he has always wanted to be a good role model for kids of every race.
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Do you agree with Jordan’s approach to politics? Let us know your thoughts below.
The post Michael Jordan, Whose “Republicans Wear Sneakers Too” Comment Sparked National Controversy, Once Revealed His Political Views Which “Weren’t Publicized” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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