Michael Phelps and His Idol Michael Jordan Came Close to Losing Millions Over a Similar Dangerous Addiction

Michael Jordan’s name is best described as the sports equivalent of Mount Everest. During his basketball career, the legend left no stone unturned. Similarly, Michael Phelps, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer who grew up idolizing MJ earned massive success in his career that will most likely take years, decades, centuries, or maybe forever to match. They are, without a doubt, addicted to constant growth and success. Surprisingly, they have another story of addiction, a rather dangerous one.

It is commonly known that with tremendous success comes great money in sports, and people find themselves trying their luck at gambling tables. Some believe that this addiction is the result of the stress that success entails. On the other hand, some argue that this addiction results from not knowing what to do with one’s wealth. In their case, it was too late to realize they had been addicted to gambling.

Addiction shared by Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps

MJ is well-known not just as an NBA champion, but also for his gambling tendencies. To put it mildly, MJ enjoys taking chances and competing when a lot is at stake. MJ’s gambling addiction sparked various controversies and almost resulted in serious defamation.

However, there is something to be proud of. Former NBA player Antoine Walker said in a 2021 interview that a 36-hour gambling frenzy cost them $1 million and delayed MJ’s comeback to the league. He was making a comeback after three seasons and had to postpone the press conference owing to the game of spades. Surprisingly, the Chicago Bulls great didn’t seem to mind losing money.

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Like Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps was a gambling addict too. Phelps was an avid poker player. The mix of wealth and a poker obsession was pretty wicked. He took the adage “don’t quit until you win” very literally and applied it outside of the pool too. Surprisingly, it came to light that all Phelps thinks about was gambling. It worried his friends and reminded them of the dangers he faced, as experienced by renowned players Michael Jordan and Pete Rose.

Some great use of riches too

They are not only hooked on gambling. The two have made concerted attempts to reach out to the vulnerable and needy. The NBA’s world champion was a victim of racism as a child. He grew up with his white adoptive sibling. They had a strong bond and didn’t perceive any differences between themselves.

In an interview, he described a terrifying scenario in which the two brothers walked to the pool. As soon as MJ entered, the others began to leave. According to a 2020 report, he contributed $100 million as part of his initial pledge to combat systematic racism.

After his magnificent win of 8 gold medals in the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Phelps made his first donation of $1 million to his foundation. The Flying Fish has been phenomenal with his foundation to inspire young swimmers. It has delivered a learn-to-swim, healthy living, and goal-setting curriculum to over 200,000 individuals worldwide through the Boys and Girls Club of America and Special Olympics International.

Phelps has always viewed Jordan with awe. In a 2017 interview, “What he did in the sport of basketball,” said Phelps, “I think that is really special and was neat for me to watch. … I want to do the same thing.”

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It is unknown whether Phelps’ gambling addiction was a part of his Being-Jordan formula. However, it is fantastic to know that the Baltimore Bullet sought to replicate Jordan’s legacy and follow his route of transitioning from sports to business to take his achievements to the next level.