One might be considered to be living under a rock if one didn’t know NBA legend Michael Jordan. Yes, he is no longer an active player in the NBA, but what Jordan did to the game of basketball arguably transcended the game itself. Many players from different sports, to this day, take inspiration and study from who they consider the GOAT. But there are some who don’t even seem to know of Jordan’s existence.
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The saying “Out with the old, in with the new” could stand true for a bizarre statement made by a rising Louisiana State University football star. Harold Perkins seemingly does not know who Michael Jordan is. In fact, he asked his head coach when the latter referenced a specific game of Jordan’s.
Fans are shocked by his admission that several reactions cropped up on social media. One user was saddened that the superhero imagery that Jordan once carried could be waning off. He wrote, “Slowly the superhero persona of MJ dying”. Others joked that LeBron James had paid Perkins to say the same. A few commented that Perkins must not have had internet access.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
https://twitter.com/josefavela77/status/1591949887201058816?s=20&t=aAO-zFLwzK5sZA3mxyu1-A
https://twitter.com/HoodiDrew/status/1591928615121338368?s=20&t=mDhK3ZBJT_Nph8DHIzUsYg
https://twitter.com/LouAye_/status/1591928713305792512?s=20&t=mDhK3ZBJT_Nph8DHIzUsYg
https://twitter.com/i_j_jw/status/1591986686237749250?s=20&t=mDhK3ZBJT_Nph8DHIzUsYg
https://twitter.com/edemanuelson/status/1591934973858435072?s=20&t=mDhK3ZBJT_Nph8DHIzUsYg
Brian Kelly, the head coach had attempted to motivate Perkins before his game against the University of Arkansas. Harold Perkins was sick with the flu. Kelly told him that MJ had thrown up before his “greatest game” too. To which, Perkins responded, “Who’s MJ?”
What game of Michael Jordan did Kelly reference?
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The game that Kelly talked about was what eventually became known as the ‘Michael Jordan flu game’. On 11 June 1997, Jordan played that game despite his flu-like symptoms. Though much later, Jordan confirmed it was a case of food poisoning. Notably, his right-hand man Scottie Pippen said the game wasn’t a big deal as many players decide to play despite various health issues.
Nevertheless, it was during Game 5 of the 1997 Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. After the game, Jordan admitted he was very exhausted and dehydrated. And yet, he scored 38 points. Even his deteriorating immunity system couldn’t stop him. By playing through the illness, he shifted the goalpost for other players to fight through.
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What did you make of Perkins’ admission that he didn’t seem to know who MJ was? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.