The beef between Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. Things escalated when New York Knicks legend Charles Oakley inserted himself into the ongoing beef between Jordan and Zeke. He came to defend Jordan’s honor by stating that MJ didn’t want to be friends with Thomas. This started a burgeoning beef between Zeke and the Oak Tree. Since then, Thomas has been busy defending himself on Twitter after various incidents from the past were brought up.
In one of his recent tweets, Isiah Thomas opened up about one of his most controversial moments. In the process, he dragged Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird through the dirt and this invited heavy backlash from fans.
Digging Secrets from the Past: Isiah Thomas
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Isiah Thomas has recently been under the spotlight due to his ongoing beef with Charles Oakley. When the Detroit Pistons refused to shake hands with the winning Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, tensions between Thomas and the Bulls reached a boiling point during the 1991 NBA Playoffs. This act of disrespect incensed Jordan and his teammates, as well as many others throughout the league. Zeke recently took to Twitter to expose secrets from 30 years ago. Here is what he tweeted.
"I didn't shake hands when we lost to the Lakers," recalled Bird, I never shook hands. When the Lakers and Celtics played, we didn't shake hands. When I first got to play against Magic, there was a hate factor there. It was more than just dislike."
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) April 7, 2023
Zeke tweeted a quote from the Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird and stated that he never shook hands with Magic Johnson when their teams met in the past. Thomas seems to be referring to Bird’s words in order to imply that his decision to forgo a handshake with the Bulls was typical in the NBA at the time. Thomas has nonetheless drawn criticism for refusing to accept responsibility for his errors and for making excuses for others.
The NBA world urges Thomas to move past his feud with Michael Jordan
Although it’s true that rivalry between teams peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, Thomas and his Pistons teammates received harsh criticism for their immoral behavior and dirty play. It is hardly unexpected that over three decades have passed since their choice to leave the court without shaking hands with the Bulls was viewed as a disrespectful and immature move.
Meanwhile, Isiah Thomas’ recent tweet invited backlash from fans. They took to Twitter to express their opinions on his tweet. Some of their reactions include:
STOP TALKING.
You’re becoming pathetic Isiah.
— Gerson J. Peña (@gersonjpena) April 7, 2023
You were wrong fam.
Just admit that you were.
MJ shook Pistons hands in 89 and 90.
You didn't do it…. And had evolving Excuses for it. pic.twitter.com/NFU242aroQ
— nope, won't beg silly ass progressives for votes (@reesetheone1) April 7, 2023
Most of the fans feel that it is time that Zeke let this go.
Let it go already.
— kusang2k (@m52773827) April 7, 2023
Why are you still litigating this stuff 30 years later?
— HallofJays (@KeepnItWill) April 7, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
https://twitter.com/empowerandedify/status/1644364160543727616?s=20
He still talking about this
— Cedric Johnson (@Clo_Dagreat) April 7, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: “I Never Heard It From Michael Jordan”: Hurt By The Last Dance Betrayal, Isiah Thomas Still Seeks An Apology
While Thomas’ desire to defend himself and his acts is reasonable, it’s crucial to keep in mind the situation in which they took place and to recognize the effect that they had on the basketball world at the time. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.