Michael Jordan is the king of trash talk. The Chicago Bulls legend neither spared his opponents nor his teammates. When it came to the game, MJ was just as tough and strict as any team coach. Well, you don’t just become one of the best players by taking it easy. A video that resurfaced recently proves the six-time champion’s mettle.
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Michael Jordan spent most of his basketball career playing for the Chicago Bulls. During that period, the Bulls were unstoppable and MJ was massively influential in their success. Add in Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Phil Jackson, and you’ve got a scary prospect of a team. Such was the Bulls dynasty in the 90s. And when you are considered one of the top NBA teams, there is a certain level of expectations that fans have from you. Therefore, it was obvious that Bulls players needed to work harder to prove their worth and MJ made sure they did.
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One such player was Scott Burrell, who had just joined the Bulls in 1997. In a resurfaced video, MJ could be seen warning Burrell to not be ‘dogfood’. Although, seemingly Jordan was messing with the Bulls rookie during the short locker room exchange.
Michael Jordan sets things straight with Bulls teammate
The video showed a brief exchange between Michael Jordan and Scott Burrell, who was a Chicago Bulls rookie at the time. The duo, along with Scottie Pippen, were gearing up for a game possibly when MJ decided to mess a little with Burrell.
Jordan told Burrell, “Hey, try not to be a dogfood tonight, dog. For one time, come out real quick. You know what I mean?”?
On the other hand, Burrell seemed slightly baffled by Jordan’s words as he began talking to Pippen in hushed tones. Pippen seemed to be enjoying the whole situation as he was visibly smirking.
“If I ever see you again, Imma whoop your a**,” MJ said while smiling.
Given the smiles on the trio’s faces, it all seemed like a harmless exchange. Moreover, Burrell had once said that he enjoyed the six-time NBA champion’s trash talks.
Former Bulls teammate defends Jordan
Following the release of The Last Dance, many felt that Michael Jordan was too harsh on his teammates. The docuseries had shown several exchanges between MJ and Burrell where audiences didn’t agree with how Jordan treated the latter. However, Burrell had a whole different opinion regarding those conversations.
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Burrell told USA TODAY Sports, “I never took it as him being cruel or him being evil. People talk junk to each other playing basketball all the time.”
Furthermore, he added, “He never physically touched me. So he said some words. Why should words hurt me? I?m an adult, I?m learning every time I step on the court, I’m being pushed like I?ve never been pushed before. I needed that.?
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Burrell would often reply to Jordan’s criticisms in playful manner instead of taking it to heart.
What do you think of Burrell’s explanation of MJ’s treatment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!