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Whether Michael Jordan is the GOAT or not is up for debate. However, one cannot disregard his immense talent. Apart from basketball, he had a knack for golf as well. Jordan regularly put extraordinary bets on his numerous golfing escapades. Interestingly enough, Jordan got sick before a crucial game against the Houston Rockets. Golf had played a part as MJ had played golf the day before while it was cold and windy outside. 

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He had also indulged in an all-night card session prior to playing golf. This wasn’t taken well by many of his teammates who called it a stunt to impress the media.

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Teammates did not approve of Michael Jordan and his antics

The Houston Rockets took on the Chicago Bulls back in 1997. Although Michael Jordan scored 34 points, he wasn’t looking great and seemed frustrated. It was later revealed that Jordan played the match despite having a head cold. Moreover, he had slept in the trainer’s room before the game and wore a towel around his head at halftime.

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The media celebrated his heroics but his antics were not taken well by his teammates who called it a ‘stunt’. They accused Jordan of forcing his sickness so as the grab the media’s attention. His teammates’ reactions to his illness were revealed in the book, ‘The Jordan Rules’.

Bill Cartwright said, “I asked him why and he said he doesn’t sleep much. I’ve never seen a guy sick so much in my life.” The Rockets won the game by 10 points and the Bulls scored 90 points for the second time in three games.

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READ MORE: $1.7 Billion Worth Michael Jordan Provides Helping Hand to NASCAR Legend in Raising $100,000 for Heart-Touching Cause

Jordan’s love for golf cost his health and the game. His love for the sport has cost the six-time NBA champion a lot of money in the past as he has lost a number of large bets.

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Jordan once lost a million dollars in golf

It is no secret that former NBA champion Michael Jordan loves to golf and gamble. There are numerous reports that have claimed that he regularly put extraordinary bets while playing golf.

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In one such instance, he lost around a million dollars. According to a San Diego businessman, Jordan owed around $600 thousand in golfing wagers. A failed bet increased the amount to $1.2 million which was then reduced to around $1 million. Despite the huge debt, MJ ended up paying around $300 thousand to the businessman.

WATCH THIS STORY:  Fear of Michael Jordan, Gary Payton, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and other NBA stars recall getting thrashed by the Bulls legend 

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What is your favorite memory of Michael Jordan? Let us know in the comments down below.

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Written by

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Abhinava Ghosh

1,823 Articles

Abhinava Ghosh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with a wealth of experience covering the league. He has written over 1400 articles for EssentiallySports, showcasing his expertise in analyzing and reporting on NBA trade rumors, injury updates, and the ever-changing dynamics of the league. He had successfully covered the entire Kevin Durant trade saga at Brooklyn, which led to the basketball legend’s move to the Desert. He also kept our readers updated on the Brittney Griner situation throughout her exile in Russia. One of Abhinava's proudest moments came in 2015 when the Golden State Warriors won the NBA title after 40 years. As a lifelong fan of the Dubs, Abhinava was thrilled to see his team reach the pinnacle of the sport, but he remained objective and professional in his reporting.

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Jayant Chhabra

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