“He’ll Clown Me All Day”: Billionaire Michael Jordan Once Compelled a ‘Bad Boy Pistons’ Star to Abandon the NBA

Netflix’s The Last Dance popularized the ruthless side of Michael Jordan among fans across the globe. The average fan is well-aware how Jordan used to bully his teammates into perfection and how his almost omnipotent presence took a toll on many players. In fact, MJ was relentless when it came to getting his way. Recently, a former Detroit Pistons star revealed how he his decision to leave the NBA was influenced by Jordan ‘clowning’ him for his pay.

Recently, John Salley appeared on an episode of the Comic Pierre. Through the hour-long episode, Salley spoke about his time in the league, his career as an actor, and conquering diabetes. The NBA Legend shared deep insights, revealing untold stories of the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons era. Salley, drafted by the Pistons, won four championship titles. Two of the four titles came with the Pistons and one with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The NBA legend’s career was well poised, but after winning the title with the Bulls, Salley made a decision that shocked the league.

John Salley brings Michael Jordan into the narrative of his departure

Following the 1996 championship run, Salley and Jerry Krause had a conversation. Jerry Krause was the General Manager of the Chicago Bulls. The four-time NBA Champion dwelled in the conversation that revolved around money on the Comic Pierre show. He claimed that Krause and the Bulls couldn’t pay him the money that he posed on the table. Salley added, “Jerry Krause lied to me.” 

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Supposedly, Krause stated that since Salley was a free agent, the Bulls office couldn’t pay him the amount they initially agreed on. He revealed that the Bulls were ready to give him a total of $360,000 for the entire season. To this, the Bad Boys legend said, “Michael[Jordan] makes 300,000 a game, I can’t take 360,000 for the season. He’ll clown me all day.”

When both parties failed to meet at the middle ground, Krause claimed that the organization didn’t have the funds to fit Salley’s demands. Following this, the four-time NBA Champion decided to leave the league and play in Greece.

A brief stint in Greece

Exploring Europe was one of Salley’s dreams. Hence, to bail on the opportunity of playing in Greece wasn’t a choice for the NBA Legend. He added that with three championships to his name, he had nothing else left to prove, “I’ve won three championships what else do I have to prove? I want to see the world right so I chose to go to Greece.” 

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However, Salley’s stint in Greece didn’t last very long. He played with the Panathinaikos for about a month, appeared in seven games, and left the league due to issues with the team (as mentioned my the NY times). In 1999, the power forward signed a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and teamed up with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The trio went on to win a championship title