MJ's Induction speech

[Daniel]

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/jordan-goes-from-classy-to-clown/

Wow.


The guy flew out the dude who beat him for a spot on his HS varsity basketball team....just to call him out.

I loved MJ growing up in Chicago in the nineties, but damn. Really?

thoughts?

[Latrinsorm]

There are conflicting reports as to whether he was seriously taking shots at people or having some fun. Has anyone watched the 20 minute speech firsthand?

[Xanator]

I had the whole induction just kind of going in the background last night. He never seemed like he was really taking shots at anybody. Was in tears before he stood up to give his speech, and after as they presented the whole induction class. I thought his speech was nice, from what I overheard.

[Xanator]

Ok, reading this article now. Talking about him lashing out at "Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, George Gervin..." He actually talked about the Larry Bird "God disguised as Michael Jordan" quote from '86 as one of the moments where he knew, as a player two years in the league, that he had the talent and belonged in the same sentence as guys like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

He did mention the freeze-out from his rookie year all-star game. Isiah was a prominent figure there, but Isiah's also an all-around dick, soooo...

Jordan was edgy/cocky in his time as a player, and I don't see why it's such a shock that he hasn't changed. He had a very nice bit about how he can't call himself/doesn't like to be called the greatest of all time, because he didn't play against Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, etc., and that it isn't a fair comparison. The article has it right, though--how do you induct anyone into the Hall alongside MJ? Let the man say what he wants.

[Doughboy]

I watched it. It didn't seem like he was "taking shots" at people as much as he was having fun. The guy came out in tears. Compared to the other speeches, it was fucking great. I enjoyed watching it.