What Is James Whitner?s Relationship With Michael Jordan? Exploring Bulls Legend?s 9YO Ties

Michael Jordan is one of the most successful entrepreneurs to come out of the world of sports. Considering his popularity, achievements, and business acumen, it is obvious that Jordan would have ties with some big names. However, not all associations prove to be of benefit and this goes for the Chicago Bulls legend.

Recently, James Whitner has been in the news regarding money laundering accusations. So how is Whitner related to Jordan? Let’s take a deep dive.

Michael Jordan and James Whitner’s history

Jordan is a pioneer in the world of sports. He not only showed the world new heights of individual and team success, but also laid the blueprint for how to manage successful business ventures. The Bulls legend is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player to play the game. His six rings and Finals MVP, five league MVPs, and two Olympic Gold Medals are a testament to his greatness. Additionally, he also became the NBA’s first billionaire and is currently the richest athlete in the world. Such a level of success would bring you closer to people from different walks of life.

During a 2019 interview with Complex, Whitner detailed his relationship with the 60-year-old. He had said that back in 2014, he helped Michael’s son Marcus with the Trophy Room store and that’s when a close association with the Jordans began flourishing. They consider Whitner to be a part of their family, and some things that MJ has done for him over the years back that claim. MJ, who usually keeps a low profile in public, made an appearance on the opening of Whitner’s store. The 43-year-old is the owner of Social Status and A Ma Maniere stores. MJ attended the opening of his Social Status store. Whitner himself was in disbelief when MJ pulled up to his store as he had said, “Oh sh*t, is this about to happen?”

It is worth noting that Whitner’s legal issue has nothing to do with Michael Jordan.

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What is the James Whitner case?

On November 21, Complex reported the money laundering allegations made against Whitner. Although the $32 million in question is said to have been in rotation through reselling sneakers and apparel, the prosecutors have said that it rinsed cash from illegal activity and moved it into the banking system. More importantly, the case is being tried under money laundering, although it looks like a resale scheme on paper. As per the prosecutors, the money was involved in “an unlicensed money transmitting business involving Chinese money couriers”.

The news is also doing rounds on social media. SiteSupply posted on X, “Beginning no later than 2016, Whitner sold millions of dollars of product to a Chinese national (referred to as YG), who then resold the products overseas.” Whereas, Whitner has denied involvement in any such illegal activity. He said the money couriers “could be into Lord knows what”, as his business model was simple, “exchanging shoes for money”.

Whitner has previously collaborated with the Jordan brand for the Air Jordan VI. Over a considerably short period of time, Whitner made a major mark in the sneaker world. More importantly, having a close association with Jordan himself put him on the map quicker than he could have hoped for.

While MJ has nothing to do with the case itself, it will be interesting to see if he or Marcus will ever address it publically.

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