“They Saw Mike and Threw Us Out”: Despite Falling Victim to Racial Prejudice, Young Michael Jordan Opted for the High Road, Claims Schoolmate

Michael Jordan was a fierce competitor from an early age. Therefore, his historical accounts are a must-look because of the difficulties he endured. Being of African American heritage, racial intolerance did not spare even the young MJ during his time. Considering that, a peek into the early years of the Hall-of-Famer provides us with a glimpse of what he had to endure. Some accounts show the bonds the multiple-time champion shared with his schoolmates and neighbors.

Therefore, it is essential to look at this account from the book ‘Michael Jordan: The Life.’ Basketball journalist Roland Lazenby wrote this book, which is one of the most well-recognized biographies of the athlete.

Michael Jordan asked to get out of the pool

The billionaire was born in Brooklyn but mostly grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. During his early years, despite not being tall and athletic, he had already shown his prowess in various sports. Baseball was his darling from a young age and through this sport, he formed a close bond with David Bridgers, who lived nearby and was his schoolmate. Lazenby penned down the recollections of Bridgers, who stated, “Before every pitch, I’d look at Mike in the center and he’d give me thumbs up. With him on the mound, I’d do the same”.

The two close mates went on bicycle rides with each other and explored various areas. However, one instance stands out. That’s when these friends went to take a dip in a neighbor’s swimming pool. As per author Lazenby, both of them knew that this story had a racist angle.

“They saw Mike and threw us out. The rest of the bikeride he was very quiet. I asked him if he knew why they threw us out. He said yes. I asked him if it bothered him. He said no. Then he just smiled. I’ll never forget it. He said “I get cooled off enough, how about you?”, recalled Bridgers.

Childhood friendship and Jordan’s acknowledgment of his roots

Jordan has never shied away from his roots. He used to wear Carolina shorts under his Bulls kit, paying homage to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina. He’d go back to Wilmington and play street ball while engaging in friendly chatter.

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Even during his playing days when he was in trouble, he’d call his hometown friend Bridgers and ask for solace. After all, he offered him comfort when he faced racism. For Jordan, he is more than a friend. He was family and the athlete’s father treated him like his son. This anecdote proves how the Bulls’ legend ignored racism around him and developed a tolerant approach. In this process, it was vital to have someone who can vouch for him and stick with him.

All of these point to the humble background of an individual who looks like he belongs to the stars. The emphatic athlete whose name is synonymous with basketball made it after developing a heart of steel that couldn’t be wavered even by racial prejudices. However, no such journey can be covered alone.

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