LeBron James’ Childhood Friend Admits to Have Indulged With Michael Jordan in Bulls Legends’ Most Criticized Addiction

Michael Jordan and his gambling addiction are old news. People have re-opened, dissected, and brought up Michael Jordan’s gambling addiction at several moments. Jordan himself has admitted that betting was an extension of himself.

But Jordan had to be hit badly before he convinced himself to stop. 1993 was the fated year. MJ was embroiled in a number of controversies. The same year also saw him showcasing a poor performance against the Knicks. And then, his father’s murder, subsequent rumors, and finally retirement announcement.

LeBron’s close friend was also drawn to MJ’s addiction

Rich Paul, LeBron James’s closest associate, a long-time friend, and one of the most powerful sports agents, was apparently lured by Jordan as well. Talking on the ‘Old Man and Three’ about the time when he was much younger, Rich reminisced about when he played spades with MJ.

” I love to play, um, I played Spades with MJ one time, this when I was really young … at the Bacara when we were working his Camp … yeah, so you know, I just love to play,” he confirms.

The difference was that if MJ was addicted to the money-betting feature, Rich was more interested in the game and the memories he could create with good friends. A lesson Michael Jordan learned very late in life.

On the flip side, in 2018, the Supreme Court of the USA overruled PASPA, legalizing betting in sports. Guess what that meant for Jordan?

Michael Jordan and his addiction post-retirement

Now that sports betting has become legal, Jordan doesn’t have to endure raised eyebrows and cheap looks. In all honesty, betting on your favorite sport or player makes the whole experience come full circle.

Read More: “Don’t F*****g Play With Me”: Succumbing to Addiction, Michael Jordan Once Resorted to Extortion Over $17,000 Debt

Michael Jordan became an investor in DraftKings, a sports betting company, in 2020. Where Jordan’s betting fever was considered in a negative light, it soon turned out to be a need for teams and players. But, MJ is not stupid. He has gone to hell and back with his addiction. So, now his interest has more to do with his natural drive to execute a neat win.

When ESPN’s documentary of the Chicago Bulls, “The Last Dance, ” aired, many asked Jordan about his betting interests. Talking to Andrew Grief of the LA Times, Jordan said, “I never bet on games. I only bet on myself, and that was golf. Do I like playing blackjack? Yeah.” And the gambling was never a problem. MJ continues, “I could stop gambling.” As simple as that.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players, his impact goes beyond sports. His era also brought many transformations in the league as well. The greatest example would be how the Jordan brand raked in millions via media channels. Yet no man is free from vices. Even His Airness. But his journey to be a better man continues to inspire.

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