Refusing To ?Beg? Michael Jordan Due to His ?Pride?, Scottie Pippen Resorted to Questionable Antics in 1991

Michael Jordan is considered to be one of the greatest business minds from the NBA. The six-time NBA champ was quite the expert even during his days on the court. After Jordan, came Scottie Pippen, who joined Michael Jordan at the Bulls in 1987. They are considered one of the best NBA duos, winning six championships together. Pippen once revealed that he had to resort to questionable antics, refusing to be Michael Jordan for an autograph due to his pride in 1991.

Jordan later established himself as a business tycoon, becoming the first NBA player to reach billionaire status. Even during his NBA days, Michael Jordan understood the value of everything he touched, wore, or signed. Thus, he often had issues signing autographs for his Chicago Bulls teammates without getting anything in return.

Michael Jordan asked for favors in exchange for autographs

Scottie Pippen came to the Bulls as the fifth overall pick in the 1987 drafts. There were a lot of changes within the team during this time. Phil Jackson was also recruited as the head coach of the Bulls the same year.

The franchise had also traded Jordan’s friends, Rod Higgins and Charles Oakley. Naturally, Michael Jordan’s teammates had a tough time adjusting to a celebrity athlete like him.

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Coaches and players would often receive requests for MJ’s autographs. However, Jordan rarely signed any autographs for his teammates. And when he did, MJ would ask for a favor in return. So, the coaches took the initiative to eventually stop asking for his autograph.

Pippen admits to shocking actions

Scottie Pippen made a huge revelation about resorting to questionable antics as he was too proud to ask for an autograph from MJ. Pippen said, “I used to sign [Jordan’s Name] myself.”

The Bulls legend made a huge revelation about copying Jordan’s autograph. Further, Pippen reckoned, “But now I’ve stopped that too. I’ve got some pride, too, and I’m not going to beg him.”

Jordan was famous worldwide, far beyond the confinements of the basketball court. The fans were crazy about his autographs and merchandise in the 1990s, making him one of the most successful icons in the country.

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Despite MJ’s status at a young age, Pippen refused to put his pride aside and ask for Jordan’s autograph. Fortunately, the two eventually became great friends over the years and helped the Bulls transform into a legendary franchise in the NBA.

What is your take on Scottie Pippen forging MJ’s signature instead of asking for one? Let us know in the comments below.