In a new book titled “Michael Jordan: The Life” by Roland Lazenby, basketball legend Michael Jordan opens up about his personal struggles with racism and the demons that haunted him throughout his life.
The book delves into Jordan’s childhood, his relationship with his father, and his experiences with racial hatred.
The book reveals that Jordan’s racial bitterness began when he watched the TV miniseries Roots and learned about the African American experience and the racism his own family had endured.
He was deeply affected by this knowledge and it fueled his intense anger towards white people during his teenage years.
Jordan even admitted that he considered himself a racist at the time.
One incident that stands out is when a girl at school called him a racial slur, prompting him to throw a soda at her in rebellion.
This incident led to his suspension from school, but his mother intervened and taught him the importance of not harboring hatred and instead trying to make things better.
The book also sheds light on Jordan’s complicated relationship with his father, James Jordan.
James was accused of s**ually assaulting Jordan’s sister and later was violently murdered.
Jordan constantly sought his father’s approval, but also harbored resentment towards him for belittling him and challenging his masculinity.
Throughout his life, Jordan struggled with addiction, including gambling and golf.
He lost $1.25 million on a golf bet and once told the winner, “I might as well shoot you as to give you a check.”
His addictive behavior was fueled by the need to prove himself and overcome his father’s negative opinions of him.
Despite his success on the basketball court, Jordan always felt the pressure to excel and prove himself.
He became the first billion-dollar athlete with endorsements and investments, but his personal life was filled with turmoil.
His marriage to Juanita Vanoy was plagued by his secretive weekends of gambling and golfing.
Overall, the book paints a complex picture of Michael Jordan, showcasing his extraordinary talent on the court, but also revealing the struggles and demons he faced throughout his life.
It provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend and the challenges he had to overcome.
