?I?m Not Gonna Be Here?: Michael Jordan, Tagged ?Condescending? by Scottie Pippen, Once Gave an Ultimatum That Nearly Ended His Bulls Career

Former Chicago Bulls teammates Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen have not been on great terms recently. Ever since the release of ‘The Last Dance’ documentary, their relationship has been strained. Pippen went as far as to call Jordan “condescending”. But when they were playing together, Jordan gave an ultimatum, which could have ended his and Pippen’s time at the Bulls.

Pippen was not pleased when the documentary aired. Especially after it glorified Jordan as the GOAT and Pippen felt he was given more credit than the other players at the Bulls. In his new book, ‘Unguarded‘, Pippen released a statement about the second episode of ‘The Last Dance‘. Pippen wrote, “I was nothing more than a prop. His ?best teammate?of all time,? he called me. He couldn?t have been more condescending if he tried.? ?

He also wasn’t pleased when Michael Jordan was the only one paid while he and the rest of his teammates didn’t make any money off the documentary. The Bulls allowed camera crews to follow them for an entire season, and Pippen felt that they deserved to get paid as they allowed them into their lives.

Michael Jordan gave a warning to the Chicago Bulls

Just before the 1997-1998 season, which was when the clips of ‘The Last Dance’ were recorded, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Bulls. There was tension between the General Manager Jerry Krause and the head coach Phil Jackson. Scottie Pippen was unhappy with his contract and it was reported that he was on the trade block. So many had thought that this could be the end of the famous Chicago Bulls dynasty.

READ MORE: $400 Million Rich Shaquille O?Neal Announces Massive Collab with Maroon 5, Pitbull, H.E.R and Other Stars for a Noble Cause

Jordan even went on an interview and gave a warning to the Bulls. He was adamant that he was not gonna be there if Jackson did not come back as head coach.

And in the end, he said, ” I believe in Phil, I believe in the trio, you know. I got a feeling, if Phil is not gonna be here, I’m not gonna be here. I got a feeling Scottie Pippen’s not gonna be here.”?

And the Bulls obliged as they got back coach Phil Jackson for one last season. And the Bulls subsequently went on to win their sixth NBA title and complete their second three-peat.

WATCH THIS STORY: NBA Legends who shaved their heads?

But that was the end of it, as Jordan, Pippen, and Jackson left the Chicago Bulls after that season.