A Letter To Michael Jordan

[woolybug25]

As a huge fan of the Bulls and a person that grew up watching Michael Jordan become the greatest basketball player ever, it pains me that Michael Jordan's character might be as bad as his talent on the court was great. I don't know if it simply takes a certain type of personality to be great on the court/field or if they are mutually exclusive, but anybody that watched Michael's HoF speech will attest, that something is wrong with the way Jordan treats others.

Thomas Lake from SI wrote the following open letter to Michael Jordan regarding the help that his former high school coach needs regarding his paranoid schizophrenia. I hope Michael reads it and helps this man somehow.

Here's the letter: Michael Jordan failing by not helping Pop Herring, his old coach - Thomas Lake - SI.com

Thoughts?

 

[irishog77]

As a huge fan of the Bulls and a person that grew up watching Michael Jordan become the greatest basketball player ever, it pains me that Michael Jordan's character might be as bad as his talent on the court was great. I don't know if it simply takes a certain type of personality to be great on the court/field or if they are mutually exclusive, but anybody that watched Michael's HoF speech will attest, that something is wrong with the way Jordan treats others.

Thomas Lake from SI wrote the following open letter to Michael Jordan regarding the help that his former high school coach needs regarding his paranoid schizophrenia. I hope Michael reads it and helps this man somehow.

Here's the letter: Michael Jordan failing by not helping Pop Herring, his old coach - Thomas Lake - SI.com

Thoughts?

I don't know. I get where he's coming from (and you, for that matter), but comes off a bit Rick Riley-ish-- using anecdotal and one-sided accounts to try and tug at heart strings, and demonize a person.

Sure, maybe Michael should help his old coach. But I don't like this approach to entice him to do so at all.

 

[ohara831]

Kinda puts MJ in a pickle. If he does something publicly, people will simply say he did it because he was called out on it. If he does nothing, his name is still mud. Doubt we ever hear anything else on the matter from the journalists. And if MJ does do anything to help Pops out, it wont be made public.

MJ cannot live without competition in his life. Even if he has to make stuff up like in in HOF speech. He thrives on competition, and makes enemies simply so he has people to contend with in his life. It's a two edged sword. Greatness in the one hand because he is so driven; and inability to live peacefully without some sort of conflict to drive you.

 

[irishpat183]

My Dad has met him numerous times through business and events...and said he's a complete a$$. And has an enormous ego and is as cheap as they come.

Now, he mentioned that he understands why (hell, the guy has been called the greatest ever by everyone) and that he would give him the benefit of the doubt had it been one or two occasions....But he's met him at least a dozen times and it's always the same.


In this case, I think the least he could do is help the guy out. Yeah, he's not obligated too, but it's the right thing to do.

And Bruce Willis is a total a$$ as well. For the record.

 

[irishpat183]

As others have said, I don't like how this forces people to do something.

I mean, it isn't really "help" or "charity" if you're forced to do it, is it?

 

[Irish YJ]

I appreciated him on the court, and loved the entertainment, but could give a $#!+ less who he is now or off the court. Nobody can take away what he did as a BB player. If he's an @$$ off the court, who cares. It's only news if we make it news. I for one would love to stop hearing about everyone's personal life outside of sports. If they play the game, followed the rules, etc. it's all I care about.

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

As a Bulls fan I will admit Jordan had a big ego but the Bulls probably wouldnt exist without him. He pretty much despised Jerry Krause. If he played today he would be portrayed like Lebron James.

 

[woolybug25]

As others have said, I don't like how this forces people to do something.

I mean, it isn't really "help" or "charity" if you're forced to do it, is it?

I guess my point is, does it matter?

Whether charity or help, Pops needs something. Whether Jordan gets his hand forced or not, shouldn't a guy that helped make Jordan deserve more respect from him? Pops never said a bad word about Michael despite the years of Jordan using him as a punchline in his "first guy to cut me" jokes. The only time Jordan has ever acknowledged him was to point out that he made a mistake by putting him on JV his freshman year.

He had no problem shelling out the dough to fly him out for his HoF speech so he could publicly humiliate him, so I don't think it would be too much to ask for a guy of Jordan's riches to do something. Shoot, even if he just sends him a free pair of shoes.

 

[irishpat183]

I guess my point is, does it matter?

Whether charity or help, Pops needs something. Whether Jordan gets his hand forced or not, shouldn't a guy that helped make Jordan deserve more respect from him? Pops never said a bad word about Michael despite the years of Jordan using him as a punchline in his "first guy to cut me" jokes. The only time Jordan has ever acknowledged him was to point out that he made a mistake by putting him on JV his freshman year.

He had no problem shelling out the dough to fly him out for his HoF speech so he could publicly humiliate him, so I don't think it would be too much to ask for a guy of Jordan's riches to do something. Shoot, even if he just sends him a free pair of shoes.

Yeah, I can see that....I guess as long as the person is helped at the end of the day, it worked out.

I guess my point was that if feels dirty when someone is forced to help. Especially when it's some journalist doing it through the public

 

[PraetorianND]

The author's claim that MJ should give this guy a new house is the point where I started to have trouble with the article. Yes, MJ should care about a former mentor. Should he give the guy a house? That's a stretch.

If MJ truly cares about helping those with mental illness and alcoholism then I think he should donate to an organization that helps people that face those challenges. I think all people with millions and millions of dollars should spend some of their money helping the less fortunate. I don't think that means buying this guy a new house however.

 

[PraetorianND]

Rebuilding this man's house in the ghetto would be far less expensive than say, putting him in a home. This guy did a lot for Jordan and Jordan has done nothing but stab him in the back. Sending money to an organization for the less fortunate doesn't change Pop's situation one bit. The point is that Jordan is aware that Pop's life has fallen apart from disease and he hasn't done a dang thing to help him. The author gave a high/low example of what he could do. On one side, buy him a new house and hire caretakers; on the other, send the guy a pair of new shoes.

I don't think Jordan's desire to help the broad issue of mental illness is even in question. The question is whether he is going to help a man that helped him become the rich and famous person he is today. Pop's never has asked him for anything and gave him all he had. The least Jordan could do is help this old man die with some dignity.

If he did this the public fallout would be worse than doing nothing.

The problem is is that alcoholism cannot be treated with houses or caretakers. If Jordan really wanted to help the guy he wouldn't do the equivalent of giving him money. He would try to help him get cleaned up.

 

[NDBoiler]

Wooly - AS a MJ fan myself growing up, he was awesome to me. Unfortunately as years have gone by, many less than flattering examples of of his arrogance and selfishness have come out. He was the greatest basketball player of all time, but by no means the greatest human of all time.

That being said, this letter by the journalist appears to me to be nothing more than a publicity stunt of sorts. The writer sites a couple different examples where MJ degraded this man in public. It doesn't occur to him that maybe MJ just doesn't like him, as mean spirited as that may be. Also, I would like to know where is this man's family and why have they apparently not tried to help him? Shame should be on them foremost if they have the means to do so and are not. When a person is told where they should make charitable contributions, that only serves to make that person less willing to give. MJ will get what he deserves in the end, but that is not for mortal man to dictate IMO.

 

[woolybug25]

Wooly - AS a MJ fan myself growing up, he was awesome to me. Unfortunately as years have gone by, many less than flattering examples of of his arrogance and selfishness have come out. He was the greatest basketball player of all time, but by no means the greatest human of all time.

That being said, this letter by the journalist appears to me to be nothing more than a publicity stunt of sorts. The writer sites a couple different examples where MJ degraded this man in public. It doesn't occur to him that maybe MJ just doesn't like him, as mean spirited as that may be. Also, I would like to know where is this man's family and why have they apparently not tried to help him? Shame should be on them foremost if they have the means to do so and are not. When a person is told where they should make charitable contributions, that only serves to make that person less willing to give. MJ will get what he deserves in the end, but that is not for mortal man to dictate IMO.

They mention in the article that they have talked to their family and they echo the same statements about MJ. Two of his family members do everything they can to help him, but they have limited ability to do so. It's all in the article.

Pop's is not an unknown figure. His treatment from MJ is well documented outside of this article. Christ, MJ flew him out for his HoF speech so he could publicly degrade him. Pop's just sat there and let him do it. Pop's was a pivotal figure in MJ's life and that is referenced in a lot of articles outside of this piece.

 

[NDBoiler]

They mention in the article that they have talked to their family and they echo the same statements about MJ. Two of his family members do everything they can to help him, but they have limited ability to do so. It's all in the article.

Pop's is not an unknown figure. His treatment from MJ is well documented outside of this article. Christ, MJ flew him out for his HoF speech so he could publicly degrade him. Pop's just sat there and let him do it. Pop's was a pivotal figure in MJ's life and that is referenced in a lot of articles outside of this piece.

Got it, I overlooked that about the family. In regards to MJ's treatment of Pops referenced in outisde articles, is it generally positive or negative? If negative, that was what I was referring to in that maybe MJ doesn't really like him, but I have no idea if that is accurate.

 

[anarin]

As a Bulls fan I will admit Jordan had a big ego but the Bulls probably wouldnt exist without him. He pretty much despised Jerry Krause. If he played today he would be portrayed like Lebron James.

Crazy talk

 

[Redbar]

I was a huge MJ fan like everyone else of my era, have never met him, but I know someone(an ND grad) that has scrimmaged against him a few times and also had a mutual "friend" with him. This guy also idolizes MJ and said what made him the best was his competitiveness. He said he'd never seen anything like it. In a summer scrimmage Jordan would go jumping into the bleachers for balls, diving on the court, and no one could score on him without retribution of the tongue out variety, he simply could not take losing nor being seen as THE best. With that being said I also saw his HoF speech and was shocked at how this fire still burned in him, he carries every slight every chip on his shoulder and wears them like I imagine MacArthur wore his formal dress. I certainly am not justifying him, but I think I understand him on a small level. Is it necessary for him to be like that? Maybe it does take that type of drive and singleness of thought and purpose to become the greatest at something or at least maybe it did for him. Personally, I would love to see him "grow back down" and reach out to his old coach.

 

[goldandblue]

If I was rich I wouldn't give my high school coaches ****.... Just sayin...

 

[woolybug25]

If I was rich I wouldn't give my high school coaches ****.... Just sayin...

So if your coach opened up the gym for you when the school was closed so you could get extra practice, let you borrow their car when needed, supported you outside the sport and posed as a father figure in your life.... you would let them rot?


alrighty then....

 

[KPENN]

Heres my feelings on this. Yes MJ is a prick. But the way I look at it is

His wife, daughter, have left him after his downward spiral, but MJ is supposed to save the day?

There is a murder he's connected to and MJ is supposed to get involved?

There is obviously an issue with this guy and I'm not sure a player that he coached in HS should have to bail him out.

If he was such an awesome guy, wouldn't his family, other hundred players, or community rally around him?

 

[Grahambo]

There are two sides to every story. I do my absolute best to hold to that without judging, often falling short.

MJ>LBJ Everyday and twice on Sunday.

FWIW, I am also an a** in public. Just sayin'.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

If I was rich I wouldn't give my high school coaches ****.... Just sayin...

This kind of thinking is why society is where it is at today. When did everyone become so self-indulgent it really is sad to watch...its tearing society apart.

 

[Irish YJ]

I'm certainly not self indulgent, and to go a step further, I give to charity, volunteer, and "look out" for a homeless guy near my neighborhood.... That said, I, like goldandblue would not give to my HS football coaches. One was a total sleeze, and one was a total a-hole putting kids at risk. I would however do anything to help my grade school coaches. All 3 were great guys, and did things the right way.

So,,, every situation is different. Just because I wouldn't pi$$ on my HS coaches if they were on fire doesn't mean I am self-indulgent. Just means I give to those who gave.

 

[johnnykillz]

Dear Jordan...

Dear Jordan...

I just shat on my mint condition 1992 Air Jordan's because of you.

Thanks.

Now they stink worse than your character.

Maybe.

-Johnny

 

[CTIDANDREW]

I'm certainly not self indulgent, and to go a step further, I give to charity, volunteer, and "look out" for a homeless guy near my neighborhood.... That said, I, like goldandblue would not give to my HS football coaches. One was a total sleeze, and one was a total a-hole putting kids at risk. I would however do anything to help my grade school coaches. All 3 were great guys, and did things the right way.

So,,, every situation is different. Just because I wouldn't pi$$ on my HS coaches if they were on fire doesn't mean I am self-indulgent. Just means I give to those who gave.

Nice post, I over-reacted. I still believe times have changed in this country. The majority of the successful citizens today only care about is themselves, and their bank account. It's just sad. I hope I never become that person.

 

[stlnd01]

There is obviously an issue with this guy and I'm not sure a player that he coached in HS should have to bail him out.

It's not about "have to." It's about "ought to."
Jordan's in a position where, with minimal effort, he can make a little easier the very difficult life of a man who did a lot for him. I don't think we're all under a general obligation for life to our high school coaches, but, to meet Irish YJ's criteria, this guy "gave" to Jordan.
That Jordan doesn't lift a finger now, and never has, says a lot about the "greatest basketball player who ever lived."

 

[Emcee77]

There are two sides to every story. I do my absolute best to hold to that without judging, often falling short.

That's a good philosophy. I am not sure this writer isn't exaggerating Pop Herring and MJ's closeness (perhaps unintentionally). It would certainly be in his interest to do so.

There certainly is a lot of evidence that MJ is an ***, and he would certainly be able to do a lot for Pop at little real cost to himself. I hope he does do something for him. But these articles would be more compelling if they did a better job of establishing that MJ and Pop truly had a familial relationship or that level of closeness. Does MJ have an obligation to help all of his coaches and teachers if they fall on hard times? No ... but on the other hand ...

Pop's is not an unknown figure. His treatment from MJ is well documented outside of this article. Christ, MJ flew him out for his HoF speech so he could publicly degrade him. Pop's just sat there and let him do it. Pop's was a pivotal figure in MJ's life and that is referenced in a lot of articles outside of this piece.

Well, not quite--MJ flew Pop out for the thing at the United Center in 1994, not the HOF induction-- but i still agree with the spirit of this At both ceremonies MJ vindictively identified Pop as a guy who motivated him to succeed by "cutting" him. (side note: I love how the articles explode the myth that MJ was cut. That has always bothered me. As a kid I often used the fact that MJ was cut in high school to comfort myself when I experienced a setback, and I was more than a little disappointed to learn at 15 or so that it wasn't true that MJ had been cut -- he just didn't make the varsity as a sophomore. Cry me a ****ing river). If you admit that a guy was central to your success, even if it is in vindictive, *******y fashion, and you have been as successful as MJ, you should want to help him when he's as low as Pop is now. Hopefully MJ would want to and truly doesn't know about Pop's struggles, but who knows.

 

[UPMich_NDfan]

There are two sides to every story. I do my absolute best to hold to that without judging, often falling short.

Exactly. Do we all know the specifics of the relationship? Hell no, does the writer, hell no..its a publicity stunt of some writer trying to make a name by taking shots at the GOAT. MJ does not have to give an explanation for every person who demands one on private matters in his life (ie: what he does with his money). How many other people would come out of the woods with their hands out?! I agree, sometimes the way MJ handles himself makes ya shake your head, but like others have stated...maybe its that something 'different' about him that made him as great as he is. Someone said he'll eventually get what is coming to him for his actions, I'd argue he already has-he owns the Bobcats! I'd love for MJ to become more soft heart in his old age, but I'm not going to really dis own him as my idol growing up because hes not throwing his money out to people. From what I've seen he contributes to the following foundations currently:
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
CharitaBulls
Kids Wish Network

Make-A-Wish Foundation
Nevada Cancer Institute
Special Olympics

 

[stlnd01]

Exactly. Do we all know the specifics of the relationship? Hell no, does the writer, hell no..its a publicity stunt of some writer trying to make a name by taking shots at the GOAT. MJ does not have to give an explanation for every person who demands one on private matters in his life (ie: what he does with his money).

I actually know Tom Lake a bit. Not all that well, but enough to know that he's not "some writer trying to make a name for himself." He's a serious, thoughtful guy, and that first story he wrote about Pop Herring is one of the best pieces of journalism you'll read this year. This isn't some cheap shot.

That said, I'm not so sure Tom's being fair to suggest that Jordan should buy Herring a house or whatever. And obviously there's things we don't know about the relationship between the two of them.
But this isn't about "throwing money out to people" (which lots of professional athletes do, to their own detriment). This is about being fair and decent to someone who was obviously a big influence on Jordan's life (if Herring wasn't, why would he be such a big part of Jordan's myth). It's about earning that "greatest" part of that GOAT acronym by doing something meaningful outside the lines.
Despite his giving to the CharitaBulls, that "outside the lines" thing has always been an issue for Jordan. And that's why this story resonates so much, not because Tom Lake is trying to make a name for himself.

 

[UPMich_NDfan]

I actually know Tom Lake a bit. Not all that well, but enough to know that he's not "some writer trying to make a name for himself." He's a serious, thoughtful guy, and that first story he wrote about Pop Herring is one of the best pieces of journalism you'll read this year. This isn't some cheap shot.

That said, I'm not so sure Tom's being fair to suggest that Jordan should buy Herring a house or whatever. And obviously there's things we don't know about the relationship between the two of them.
But this isn't about "throwing money out to people" (which lots of professional athletes do, to their own detriment). This is about being fair and decent to someone who was obviously a big influence on Jordan's life (if Herring wasn't, why would he be such a big part of Jordan's myth). It's about earning that "greatest" part of that GOAT acronym by doing something meaningful outside the lines.
Despite his giving to the CharitaBulls, that "outside the lines" thing has always been an issue for Jordan. And that's why this story resonates so much, not because Tom Lake is trying to make a name for himself.

Thanks for your input, you help give more substance to the story by backing Tom Lake up. I just see too much of these reporters trying to be the next Rick Reilly or Stephen A going after big time athletes with some harsh words/allegation...so I guess I jumped to a conclusion in that regard. Especially in light of what the reporter did going after Lolo Jones recently. I just didn't see hard enough facts to support a strong MJ stance against this guy. I guess I"d like to hear some more actual stories of the relationship between these two from back in the day. Not just the myth and lore that gets talked about so much-sometimes those things are over inflated. But yea I do agree, I'd really like to see MJ showing up in more positive news situations.

Does anyone feel as though MJ has changed?! I realize hes always had that chip on his shoulder, but it just seems the past few years (really starting with that HOF speech) hes really turned a bit bitter!? Like someone mentioned I guess that could come from a family falling apart, or possibly the pressures of being one of the most recognizable famous people on the planet. It is kind of sad to see...we need the old MJ back, seemed a lot more of a free spirit, fun, easy going guy... when he wasn't competing that is.

 

[Irishnuke]

What better way to make a name for yourself as a writer than to put the most famous athlete of all time on blast. Really, it's none of his (or our) f'in business what MJ does with his money.