“What the Fu** Are You Doing?”: Michael Jordan Was Left Furious by a Reporter for Disrespecting His $5.2 Billion Empire
Follow Us
Michael Jordan, along with being an elite sportsman, is also a business mogul. Jordan, whose net worth is around $5.5 billion, is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. Jordan’s lucrative deal with Nike and many other investments made him the first sportsman to be a billionaire. Jordan takes all his businesses “personally,” and we all know what happens if Black Jesus takes things personally.
In an interview, a 51-year-old veteran sports journalist recalled her first meeting with Jordan. According to the reporter, Jordan was furious over her disrespecting his $4.8 billion business empire. The meeting left a lasting impact on the journalist.
A memorable first interaction
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Jordan was at the peak of his game in the NBA during the early ’90s. However, due to unknown reasons, Jordan decided to take an early retirement from the game to follow his other passion, baseball. During Jordan’s year in the Minor Leagues Baseball, he met the then-23-year-old journalist.
In an interview, the 51-year-old journalist Laura Okmin recalled her favorite interaction with the Black Jesus. According to Okmin, the first interaction with Jordan was her favorite. Okmin met Jordan during his time in baseball, and at that time, the veteran journalist was just over 23 years old. Okmin and a group of ten people had a dinner scheduled with the Chicago Bulls star.
Trending
Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era
May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT
“I Can Be Replaced”: Shaq Drops Cryptic Note Online As Absence From TNT Live Show Confuses America
May 20, 2024 01:32 AM EDT
“Jordan Slipping Him Cash”: Fans Join In as Magic Johnson Slams Stephen A. Smith for Leaving Isiah Thomas Out of His List
May 18, 2024 03:30 PM EDT
Where Is Shaquille O’Neal? 7ft Legend Leaves TNT Studios Mid-Show, Draymond Green Stands as Replacement
May 16, 2024 03:46 AM EDT
Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian
May 19, 2024 06:38 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“The first time I really met Michael, um, it was baseball.” After hearing a knock on the door, Okmin, knowing it was Jordan, got up to open the door for him.
“I opened the door, and I was – I’m sure I was so nervous, I’m sure my heart stopped, and he looked down, and I was wearing Chuck Taylors, and he said, ‘What the fu** are you doing wearing Chuck Taylors?’”
The seasoned media professional praised Jordan’s ability to read the room and behave appropriately to make everyone feel at ease. Okmin recalls the moment as the icebreaker between the two and cherishes it as a “great gift” for her at such a young age.
Jordan came to the NBA as one of the most looked-after prospects in the draft. The North Carolina star wore Converse while he was there and wanted to switch to his preferred company, Adidas, to represent him during his NBA career.
However, Adidas was not in the right stage and was dysfunctional during that time due to a change in ownership.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jordan’s deal with Nike
Jordan’s agent, David Falk, wanted the stubborn MJ to take a meeting with Nike. Young Jordan finally decided to take the meeting with his mom, getting involved. Nike’s $250,000 offer to Jordan was much higher than anything else the company was given.
The deal also included his own shoe line, Air Jordan. Jordan eventually took the Nike deal, and it paid him more than generously. To date, the Jordan brand has 37 signature shoes and many more collaborations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: 5 WORST NINTENDO SWITCH GAMES YOU SHOULD STRICTLY AVOID IN 2023
Jordan Brand generated over $4.8 billion in revenue in 2021, making it one of the most lucrative companies in the world.
Edited by:
Aayush Kapoor