NBA legend Michael Jordan is one of the best players ever thanks to his competitive fire that started at a very early stage. Ever since he started playing ball with his brothers in the backyard, his competitive fire has been on the rise. While it helped him become one of the NBA greats, like most good things, there came some pitfalls. Basketball fans need no introduction to Jordan’s gambling and betting. Fueled by his competitiveness, he wanted to win no matter the cost, no matter the game. However, Jordan’s competitiveness sometimes landed him in hot waters.

In 1992, federal officials reportedly seized a $57,000 check from James ”Slim” Bouler, a convicted cocaine dealer. The notorious golf hustler alleged he had won the amount playing golf with Jordan. He initially stated the seized $57,000 check was a loan but then refused to comment about it. It was a difficult period for the Chicago Bulls superstar.

A hard phase for Michael Jordan

Sports writer, Sam Smith, was authored the book ‘The Jordan Rules.’ The book chronicled Michael Jordan and the Bulls during the early 90s. In the book, Smith touched on Jordan’s involvement with James ”Slim” Bouler.

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Smith talked about how MJ struggled with all the media attention and how his teammates still pulled his legs. He noted, “In the locker room, Jordan seemed to be growing more remote, even frightened, to his teammates. They wouldn’t miss the opportunity to wield the knife so often he drew. ‘Hey, Scarface,’ they’d shout at Jordan, or ‘Five-card Charlie.’ Jordan took it well, but was also now practicing at a firing range with a laser-sighted pistol. Some players wondered if he was fearful because of the investigation.”?

Smith also recounted that Jordan did not have a good game during that phase losing to the Philadelphia 76ers and then to the Los Angeles Lakers. Against the Lakers, Jordan missed ten straight shots to end the game which was a loss at home. The author stated that after the game MJ admitted that he has not been enjoying games as he usually does. Jordan added it was time to get back to enjoying games again.

Jordan testified

After James ‘‘Slim” Bouler’s arrest, Michael Jordan reportedly made an eight-minute court appearance. He testified that he gave a $57,000 cashier?s check to cover golf losses to Bouler as well as the money he borrowed. Bouler spent over seven years in prison and was reportedly released in 2000.

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