Michael Jordan Issued Media Boycott After Being Angered by Reporter’s Question
Michael Jordan once issued a media boycott after he was left furious by a reporter's question.
The former Chicago Bulls superstar remains one of the most iconic figures in spot.
During his illustrious basketball career, Jordan won six championships as the Bulls achieved two three-peats during the 1990s.
Jordan was named the league's MVP five times and is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player in history.
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However, since he retired in 2003, Jordan has preferred to stay out of the media spotlight.
Despite being one of the most well-marketed athletes ever, with an estimated net worth of $3.8 billion, he has rarely featured on television.
That has changed this season, and he has returned with NBC, who hold the broadcast rights to the NBA for this campaign for the first time in over 20 years.
Jordan is working as a special contributor alongside Mike Tirico, with the second instalment of MJ: Insights to Excellence aired during Tuesday's coverage.
But the NBA icon's relationship with the press has not always been smooth.
Back in 1993, while he was playing for the Bulls, he issued a media blackout.
As per the Chicago Sun Times, Jordan had not spoken to the media for 11 days after he stormed out of an interview that had focused on his gambling trip to Atlantic City during the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals.
After training one day, a reporter from the Sun-Times asked him: "Michael, can we talk."
He replied: "I'm not talking until the season's over.
“I’m letting my basketball do all the talking."
The TV reporter than asked Jordan for his thoughts on the upcoming NBA Finals and whether he was excited for them.
A blunt Jordan then said: “No comment," before driving away.
At the time, the Bulls trailed 2-0 to the New York Knicks.
But they recovered to win the final four matches of the Eastern Conference finals and make the NBA Finals.
They faced the Phoenix Suns, who were led by that year's MVP Charles Barkley.
The Bulls won the series 4-2, becoming the first team since the Boston Celtic in the 1960s to secure a three-peat.
Later that year, Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, citing physical and mental exhaustion.
After a brief stint with Minor League Baseball, he returned to the Bulls in 1995, guiding them to another three-peat between 1996 and 1998.
Jordan retired for the second time in 1999, before returning in 2001 to play for the Washington Wizards.
After two seasons with the Wizards, he brought his playing career to an end for good in 2003.
Topics: Michael Jordan, NBA, Chicago Bulls, Basketball
James Taylor