NBA legend Michael Jordan is one of the most popular athletes ever. However, he prefers not to use his platform for politics and does not usually indulge in socio-political conversations. While some fans love this stance, some feel it to be selfish. Jordan, however, once left his guard down and revealed if he was a democrat or republican to fellow NBA legend Charles Barkley. MJ and Barkley have been close friends since their time in the NBA.
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The duo spent a lot of time together, be it a round of golf or a game of cards. However, the once close friends are now not on speaking terms for more than ten years.
Michael Jordan once revealed his political stance
Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley once appeared in a hilarious one-on-one interview session on TV. The duo took turns asking interesting questions to each other. Barkley initially asked about Jordan’s salary and compared it with TV legend Oprah Winfrey. He then joked the two would make a “fascinating couple.” The Philadelphia 76ers legend then asked MJ about his political stance. And this time, Jordan disclosed it.
Barkley asked, “Are you a Democrat or a Republican?”?Jordan replied, “I am a Democrat.” Barkley joked, “Oh! He sold us out rich folks. He sold us out!”
In 1990, the Chicago Bulls superstar was criticized for refusing to endorse Democrat Harvey Gantt during a Senate race in his home state of North Carolina. Jordan revealed his simple reason behind it saying, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.”
Even though it was a joke, he was criticized for not taking a political stance. MJ talked about the criticism of not taking a political stance in the hit show ‘The Last Dance.’
Talking about his “sneakers” statement, he stated that it was a joke. He added his mother asked him to do a PSA for Harvey Gantt. However, the superstar did not want to speak badly about someone he did not know and sent contributions to support him instead.
Jordan and Barkley’s friendship took a hit
Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan’s relationship took a hit after the former’s comments on Jordan’s ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats, now renamed Hornets. Barkley’s comments did not sit well with the five-time MVP who has had little success after he took over the franchise.
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MJ could not believe the comments from his friend and was furious. Marking an end to their friendship. Even though Barkley once admitted he would like to be friends with Jordan again, he made it clear he would continue to speak his mind while working as an NBA analyst.
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Edited by
Jayant Chhabra