?He Took Commerce Over Conscience?: 7?2 Lakers Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Locked Horns With Billionaire Michael Jordan in 2015

NBA legend Michael Jordan is one of the most popular athletes to ever lay foot on a court. Although he retired over two decades ago, he is still popular around the world. Jordan has always been praised by many for his on-court accomplishments. However, there has been a lot of criticism for his lack of involvement in activism. On the other hand, the All-Time great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been very vocal on social issues and politics.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend once revealed his disappointment in Jordan missing his chance to use his platform for social change.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Jordan’s lack of involvement

During an NPR interview in 2015, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was asked about the story of Michael Jordan refusing to endorse Democrat Harvey Gantt. The Bulls legend refused to endorse Gantt during a Senate race in his home state of North Carolina in 1990. Also, the host pointed out Jordan’s subsequent comment: “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” Abdul-Jabbar then talked about MJ not using his huge platform to talk about social issues despite being an influential figure. He stated that the billionaire was worried about his brand and image.

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The six-time MVP said, “You can’t be afraid of losing shoe sales if you’re worried about your civil and human rights. He took commerce over conscience. It’s unfortunate for him, but he’s gotta live with it.”

It is safe to say Abdul-Jabbar was cut from the same cloth as the legendary Muhammad Ali. Ever since his high school days, he has been at the forefront of protests against social injustice. He boycotted the 1968 Olympics as a protest against the unequal treatment of African Americans in the country. He continues to use his platform to talk about issues around the world. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Michael Jordan on his political stance

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not the only one to criticize Jordan for his lack of involvement in activism. Many echo the same criticism. So Jordan addressed it in the 2020 docu-series ‘The Last Dance.’?The six-time champion talked about not endorsing Harvey Gantt in 1990. He stated that he did not want to talk badly about Gantt’s opponent knowing nothing about him. However, he made monetary contributions to support Gantt.

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He also talked about the “sneakers” remark saying that it was a joke and it does not have to be corrected. Jordan then said that he has huge respect for Muhammad Ali for what he did. However, he admitted that he never saw himself as an activist.

What do you think about Abdul-Jabbar’s comments on Jordan? Let us know in the comments section.