?Don?t F*****g Play With Me?: Succumbing to Addiction, Michael Jordan Once Resorted to Extortion Over $17,000 Debt

Michael Jordan – the iconic figure of the Chicago Bulls and widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Not only is he renowned for his exceptional skills on the court, but he is also famous for his unparalleled competitiveness. Jordan’s unwavering drive to succeed throughout his illustrious career rendered him a force to reckon with. However, behind the glitz and glamour of his sporting achievements lay a darker aspect of Jordan’s life ? a gambling addiction.

The addiction was no secret to those who knew him. He once even resorted to threats of extortion to recover a $17,000 debt. Jordan warned, “Don’t fu****g play with me,” before demanding payment. Michael Jordan’s tale serves as a reminder of the complexities and struggles faced by even the most revered sports legends.

A high-stakes card game

Michael Jordan’s gambling and competitive attitude have always made quite fascinating stories, and these tales only serve to shed further light on the basketball legend’s hidden character. Johnny Bach reveals an interesting story about Jordan as the dealer in a heated poker game played on a lengthy flight.

Jordan’s commitment to perfection extended to ensuring that his colleagues paid their debts on time. After hours of gambling, Jack Haley found himself in debt to Jordan for $17000, and emotions escalated when the team landed in Los Angeles. Jordan made it quite apparent that Haley should not neglect debts, leading him to face the music.

Michael Jordan gave a stern warning and reminded everyone that he was not one to be toyed with, ?Debts are paid. Card game’s over. You owe me.? Jack Haley said he didn’t have the cash at the moment.

Jordan said, ?Well, then you get it. You call Daddy Warbucks now. Don’t fu****g play with me, Jack, if you can’t pay off. I don’t want your money, but you lost, and Daddy has to come up with that money in cash.?

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This story stands as a testament to the legend’s intense dedication to both his craft and the principles of accountability.

The alleged $1.25 million betting loss

Michael Jordan’s gambling past has long been a source of speculation and debate, providing a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of the basketball legends life. Richard Esquinas, a former friend and golf partner of the NBA star, played a crucial role in bringing this aspect to the forefront.

Esquinas revealed a less glamorous side of Jordan’s life in his book, Michael & Me: Our Gambling Addiction…My Cry For Help!,?by claiming that the basketball icon had lost a whopping $1.25 million in golf betting. On the other hand, Jordan said he felt betrayed and denied being a compulsive gambler.

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Years later, Jordan revealed the truth, admitting that he owed Esquinas $300,000. However, the fallout from Esquinas’ book ensured that he would not receive a dime from Jordan. This story reveals yet another layer of complexity in Michael Jordan’s life, revealing the struggles that lay underneath his dazzling public persona.