We don’t often hear from Michael Jordan in the media. But he has Stephen A. Smith’s ear. That gives the ESPN veteran some confidence to vouch for Jordan’s true personality. A lot has been said about that subject over the years. Most of it based on MJ’s fallouts with two of his closest friends, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen. It’s made many think that MJ takes things too ‘personally.’ But if you ask Stephen A. Smith, it’s completely different.

“It’s a lie, it’s a misnomer to think that you can’t criticize him, that you can’t tell him where you stand,” Smith said on the PBD Podcast. The truth according to him is, “Just don’t betray him. Don’t be somebody that says something in his face and then he shocked by what you’re saying when he sees you on television.”

He pretty much gives his own example. The NBA community doesn’t always agree with Smith and are sure his comments could upset Jordan. He admits that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant both gave him flak for some of his commentary. But MJ challenges him to prove his point and even if he disagreed, he’d respect him for standing by his opinions.

Stephen A. Smith, who also has a good friendship with Charles Barkley (even though they bicker when TNT and ESPN combine broadcasts), does not believe that Chuck betrayed Jordan. The former Charlotte Hornets owner allegedly took offense to Barkley’s honest comments about his ownership capabilities. Barkley would stand by opinions but he regrets losing Jordan as a friend. According to Smith, this friendship is not redeemable.

Michael Jordan and Chuck aren’t meant to be

The First Take host asserts that Barkley and Jordan don’t hate each other. “Barkley is a really lovable guy, he’s a really good guy, just very candid,” he said. Barkley has admitted a similar sentiment while comparing himself and Jordan to estranged British Royals.

Talking about their fallout, Charles Barkley said he can’t be a credible NBA analyst unless he talks about his best friend as he would about other team owners. Chuck also said that both of them have huge egos and he expects Jordan to make the first move to call him. He’s tired of talking about their fractured friendship. But Chuck doesn’t tire of talking about Jordan. He was especially critical of Jordan skipping the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor night.

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Yet, Stephen A. Smith doesn’t imply that Chuck did something wrong. He, however, thinks Michael Jordan has a valid reason to be mad at Scottie Pippen.

“Stop Smoking.”: Friendship Crumbles as LeBron James Outshines Michael Jordan in the Ex-NBA Star’s G.O.A.T. Verdict