There is no doubt in my mind that Michael Jordan is the most popular/greatest player to ever play the game of basketball. His ability on the court to take over a game and his athletic ability entertained the millions watching when he stepped on the court time and time again. But there is another side to Michael Jordan that we discussed. To me this is the most interesting side to Michael because we realize he is human just like the rest of us.
I had done a report on Michael Jordan before and knew that he had a big gambling problem. He at one time bet over $500,000 on a game of golf with a guy he knew. He would also stay up late with other players before games in their hotels and play card games into all hours of the night. With the spotlight constantly on him I have to give him credit because he hid his pain really well. Te most interesting quote he said was that he enjoyed playing basketball because it was his escape from all of the media and troubles going on in his life. It just goes to show you that our hero's and role models have trouble just like the rest of us.
In some ways I think the troubles that icons like Michael Jordan face are magnified because they are in the spotlight. Anyone who plays sport at the highest levels must have a drive that is beyond that of the "normal" person, so it comes as no surprise that they might participate in addictive behaviors like gambling as well.
ReplyDeleteBesides the gambling issues, Mj hid all of this personal issues aside from basketball. It's very disappointing to watch great players receive major criticism for minor issues. They are forced to become slaves for the media to have a picture perfect image. We then fall in love with the picture perfect image, forgetting that athletes are human too.
ReplyDeleteHi Nick,
ReplyDeleteGood that you discuss the opposite side from being a top athlete. I agree that, especially the top athletes, they have to deal with a huge media attention and continuous pressure. But I strongly believe that, despite the media attention and the tremendous salary they earns, athletes must act like professionals at every time. Things like gambling and drinking till the early hours is not done in my opinion. Unfortunately, many athletes make mistakes like that.
To highlight Michael Jordan status in Holland: he is seen as one of the greatest athlete in the world and he was the one who creates more media attention and awareness of basketball in Holland. Especially the Air Jordan shoes were a hot item.