Watching Michael Jordan dominate the show in the 1990s was a distraction in the form of jubilation. The echoing hardships of existence would weaken one to the bone. However, one glance at “His Airness” taking flight was all it took to break the staleness of everyday life.
There will always be a wide spectrum of highs and lows in one’s career. However, even Jordan’s lows were enough to light up a grin on one’s face. Of course, when someone accomplishes so much success through sheer hard work and commitment, there will be some who will be waiting to sling dirt at them.
Nevertheless, the NBA fans didn’t have to look far as that dirt came in the form of the book “The Jordan Rules” by Bulls writer Sam Smith. The New York Times best-seller chronicled the Bulls’ championship season of 1991.
On this day in 1991, Michael Jordan and the Bulls won their first championship.
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Smith portrayed Michael Jordan as a tyrant in the Chicago Bulls locker room in his book. He went so far as to compare him to General Sherman and the British army during the Revolutionary War.
The book talked about Jordan being the recipient of “special treatment”. The book had everything, from Jordan belittling his teammates to directing them not to pass to a player who has “gone cold.” The book portrayed Jordan as a controversial force behind the scenes, hence, the NBA legend attempted to clear the air.
Michael Jordan debunked Sam Smith’s allegation that he was a selfish scorer
Michael Jordan cleared the air in an interview with Playboy about several allegations made against him in “The Jordan Rules.”
Michael Jordan wearing Converse and Adidas gear in his 80's Playboy All-American photos. #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/IAdHb2XvRb
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He was questioned about his Bulls’ teammate Bill Cartwright’s opinion of him as a selfish scorer. Jordan responded and set the record straight.
He said, “Sam Smith says Cartwright said I was b*tching about not getting 50 points and that everyone could have scored 20 instead. That’s the biggest lie in America. The whole offense is set for Cartwright to score as many points as he can. If he can’t score that’s his damn problem. All I can do is throw the ball. I can’t make him move.”
Jordan here complains about the triangle offense, which occasionally resulted in Bill Cartwright receiving the ball at the end of the shot clock. That may not have gone over well with Jordan. He did, however, label the story about him complaining about getting fewer touches as false.
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Jordan was an exceptional scorer who helped the Chicago Bulls become six-time NBA champions. Basketball is a team sport, something Jordan most likely knew given his unrivaled success on the court.
Michael Jordan scored 759 points during the 1992 playoffs, the most in a single postseason in NBA history.
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His competitive spirit was unequaled, which may have been misinterpreted as selfishness. His determination to succeed and be the greatest had to have caused some collateral damage. It’s no secret that his teammates struggled with him. But, well, he helped them win a bunch of rings.
The post “That’s the Biggest Lie in America”: Controversial Allegations Forced Michael Jordan to Call Out Prominent Critic in Public appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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