While Michael Jordan’s public appearances are rare, any political comments are even rarer. In fact, except for one particular instance, most fans would not be able to pinpoint any political comment from the arguably biggest star in NBA history. But why is it that Jordan maintained this thumb rule even though most popular figures usually stay vocal about their opinions? Well, Scottie Pippen had something to say on this during his recent appearance on the PBD Podcast.

“I think he just led by example… That’s a gray area that he doesn’t want to talk about. And obviously, if any politician, anyone wants him to, you know, donate or do anything publicly, then he’s never going to get involved with that,” Pippen said. And Michael Jordan, as mentioned previously, stuck to his rule for most of his life except for one instance.

Ever heard the phrase “Republicans buy sneakers, too”? It’s one of Mike’s most famous quotes. The comment came during the 1990 US Senate race in North Carolina, during a heated contest between Republican Jesse Helms and Democrat Harvey Gantt.

Even former President Barack Obama had chimed in on this during his appearance in the documentary. As a young activist at the time, Obama admitted he wished the Chicago Bulls star had spoken out more. But he also recognized that things weren’t so simple for the basketball icon.

“I’ll be honest, when it was reported that Michael said, ‘Republicans buy sneakers, too’ — for somebody who was at that time preparing for a career in civil rights law and knowing what Jesse Helms stood for, you would’ve wanted to see Michael push harder on that,” Obama said. “On the other hand, he was still trying to figure out, ‘How am I managing this image that has been created around me? And how do I live up to it?'”

It’s easy to want more from our heroes, isn’t it? But Jordan’s story reminds us that even legends have to navigate their own challenges. Balancing public expectations with their personal choices.

Even Michael Jordan’s famous political comment was not a public statement

When it comes to politics, critics have often called MJ out for staying silent. One of the most talked-about incidents happened in 1990, during the aforementioned pivotal Senate race. Harvey Gantt, the first African American mayor of Charlotte (1983-87), reached out to Jordan for support in his campaign against Jesse Helms, who had held the seat since 1973.

Gantt hoped MJ, a hero in their shared home state of North Carolina, could lend his voice to fight against Helms. But His Airness declined, explaining he wasn’t into politics and didn’t fully understand the issues. While that decision alone raised eyebrows, it was that casual remark that really set people off. “Republicans buy shoes, too.”

That one line went viral before social media even existed! Years later, in The Last Dance documentary, Michael Jordan addressed the controversy. He admitted to saying it but explained, “I don’t think that statement needs to be corrected. Because I said it in jest on a bus with Horace Grant and Scottie Pippen. It was thrown off the cuff.”

Jordan’s stance—or lack thereof—has been a topic of debate ever since. Even Barack Obama and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar urged him to use his influence more. It seems, however, that the former President will have to manage with that one exception that occurred.