NBA Legend Michael Jordan Pays Tribute To Cricket Icon Shane Warne

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has paid tribute to the late Shane Warne, sending a touching gift to Warnie’s family. 

The NBA icon sent flowers to the family of Shane Warne following the cricket legend’s memorial at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night. 

Posted to her Instagram story, Shane’s daughter Brooke Warne captioned the image with: “Flowers from someone extremely special. Thank you Michael Jordan.”

Brooke, along with her siblings Summer, and Jackson were all commended for their speeches at their father’s memorial. 

Warne’s ex-fiancee Liz Hurley wrote on Brooke’s Instagram: “Your speech was magical. I love you and see you soon. SW23 FOREVER.”

While also commenting on Jackson’s post: “I love you Jackson. The Lion would be proud of you. See you soon.”

Jordan and Warne met almost three decades ago when both were in partnership with Nike. Jordan has of course become synonymous with the Nike brand, but Warne also had a strong-presence for seven years up until the partnership ended in 2001.

The Australian cricketer posted a photo of the pair to his Instagram in 2020, with the image dating back to 1994 when the pair crossed paths at the Nike headquarters. 

The image shows Jordan holding a Sherrin footy in one hand, a gift from Warne who was a St Kilda fan. 

Shane shared the image following the release of the Last Dance documentary series, captioning it: “Really enjoyed the first two episodes of the Michael Jordan documentary and bought back some great memories of hanging with the great MJ at Nike in the states!”

Jordan’s tribute follows on from fellow celebrities such as Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin, and Robbie Williams, who all featured in video musical dedications at the memorial. 

Warne passed away on 4 March as a result of a heart attack while on holiday in Thailand, he was 52 years of age. 

A private funeral service was held on 20 March, with Wednesday night’s memorial service at the MCG the first time the public could pay their respects.

Australian cricketers, both former and present, Steve Waugh, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Nathan Lyon, Glenn McGrath, and Adam Gilchrist were all in attendance.