The NBA has always been politically active. Whether it was during the 2020 protests, the elections, or bending the knee, the league has never shied away from the political spectrum. However, very rarely do we see an athlete claim their allegiance in a political debate. But, of course, it was Michael Jordan in his trailblazing ways who surprisingly broke down that barrier. Despite his preferred candidate not finding success, there is still a ton of mutual respect present between the two.

Bill Bradley holds that message of support dearly, even though it ultimately did not sway the needle. “He certainly didn’t hurt me and he helped me a little bit. But no, he didn’t turn around the African-American vote. I was grateful for it and will always be grateful for it and we have that special bond because of that.”

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Even though he had a pretty remarkable NBA resume, luring the Chicago Bulls legend into politics was a decidedly bold move. After famously, or infamously, depending on who you ask, quoting, “Republicans buy sneakers, too,” Jordan would shed that air of ignorance for Bradley.

The 2x NBA Champion would land Michael as an endorser during the 2000 election, with the 6x NBA Champion even recording a 30-second commercial for him. It was a shocking move from Mike, to say the least. But, with his growing star power, it was a shrewd move from Bill to further enhance his chances.

However, ultimately, it did not matter. But Bill understands the people’s mentality, as he tells The Sun. “When people are voting for the president of the United States, they are making their own judgment…”

If the words sound eerily familiar, it’s because they are. Charles Barkley would recently find himself in the political news cycle because of comments almost verbatim.

Charles Barkley echoes Michael Jordan elect Bill Bradley’s words

The 2024 election is already causing a lot of turmoil. However, one outlandish conspiracy theory has Taylor Swift being used to sway the NFL-loving audience into Joe Biden voters. Barkley, however, is vehemently against the idea.

One of the names in the business who is not shy of sharing his opinions, whether it be political or personal, the Philadelphia 76ers legend was having none of the Swift nonsense. Claiming the idea as “stupid”, he would term the idea of people following a celebrity blindly as “absurd.” 

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If Mike’s signature did not sway the American audience, could Taylor?

Michael Jordan, Whose “Republicans Wear Sneakers Too” Comment Sparked National Controversy, Once Revealed His Political Views Which “Weren’t Publicized”