Scottie Pippen Accuses Legendary Chicago Bulls Coach Phil Jackson Of Being Racist

Scottie Pippen has come out and accused his former coach of being racist.

But this isn't just any old ex-coach, this was the mastermind behind the legendary Chicago Bulls dynasty which helped Pippen win six NBA Championship rings during the 1990s.

Yes, we're talking about Basketball Hall of Famer Phil Jackson here.

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Pippen has sparked widespread attention in recent weeks following his raw tell-all interview with GQ.

Among other things, the story which seemed to grab most people's interest was when Pippen delved into Jackson's infamous decision to not let him take the game-winning shot during the 1994 playoff game against the New York Knicks in absence of Michael Jordan.

And if you've watched ESPN's 'The Last Dance' documentary, then you'll know that Pippen responded to Jackon's tactical call by refusing to finish the game and instead opting to remain on the bench for the final play.

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Pippen has openly spoken about his underlying feelings about playing second fiddle to MJ and that the 1994 season was meant to be his time to take the Bulls team by the scruff of neck while Jordan was off playing baseball.

But in his recent interview with GQ, Bulls great Pippen claimed Jackson made a "racial move" in choosing Croatia recruit Toni Kukoc to take the last-gasp shot.

While recently appearing on "The Dan Patrick Show", 55-year-old Pippen doubled down on these bold claims.

"By saying a racial move, then you're calling Phil a racist," Patrick asked Pippen.

"I don't got a problem with that," Pippen replied.

Clearly surprised, Patrick then fired off a follow-up question.

"Do you think Phil was or is (racist)?" He asked.

To which Pippen responded with: "Oh yeah.

"Do you not remember Phil Jackson left the Lakers, went and wrote a book about Kobe Bryant and then came back and coached him? Who would do that?

"I think he tried to expose Kobe [in the book] in a way he shouldn't have. You're the head coach. You're the guy that sits in the locker room and tells the players, 'This is a circle and everything stays within the circle because that's what team is about. But you as the head coach opening up and now you go out and you try to belittle, at that time, probably one of the greatest players in the game?"

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At one point, Patrick stops Pippen in his tracks and raises the point whether a one-off tactical decision might not necessarily mean Jackson is racist.

Pippen responded though.

"Well, that's your way of putting it out, and I have my way," he said.

"I was in the locker room with him. I was in practices with him. You're looking from afar."

Topics: Racism, Basketball, NBA, Australia,

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry