Michael Jordan, the basketball legend and billionaire, opens up about his troubled past in a new book titled “Michael Jordan: The Life” by Roland Lazenby.
The book reveals that Jordan’s racial bitterness began when he watched the TV miniseries Roots and learned about the racism his own family had endured.
Growing up in the racially tense environment of North Carolina, Jordan faced challenges from an early age.
His father, James, constantly questioned his masculinity and belittled him.
This led to a rebellious streak in Jordan, and he even turned racist for a period of time after being called a racial slur by a girl at school.
The book also delves into the tragic events that shaped Jordan’s life.
After his beloved father was brutally murdered, Jordan took out his anger on his fellow players, resorting to name-calling and bullying.
He also developed a fear of water after a friend drowned in his presence.
Despite his success on the basketball court, Jordan struggled with personal demons throughout his life.
He battled gambling and golf addictions, losing millions of dollars in the process.
He also almost turned down a lucrative deal with Nike, preferring Adidas over what he saw as the devil’s color – red and black.
The book highlights the deep-seated need for approval that Jordan sought from his father, who was accused of s**ually assaulting Jordan’s sister.
This tumultuous family dynamic fueled Jordan’s drive for success and served as a motivation for him to prove his worth.
Jordan’s journey to greatness was not without obstacles.
As a teenager, he faced racial animosity in a predominantly white town.
Watching Roots opened his eyes to the painful history of African Americans and ignited a desire to make a difference.
His mother played a crucial role in guiding him away from hatred and bitterness.
Despite facing setbacks, such as being initially rejected from the varsity football team due to his height, Jordan’s determination and hard work paid off.
He eventually grew to be six feet seven inches tall and joined the varsity basketball team, making friends for the first time.
The book also explores Jordan’s business ventures, including his partnership with Nike and the creation of the Air Jordan brand.
Initially reluctant to sign with Nike, Jordan eventually accepted the deal and helped revolutionize the sneaker industry.
The bold red and black shoes faced backlash from the NBA but became a huge success, earning Nike millions of dollars in sales.
Throughout his career, Jordan encountered rivalries with other players, such as Magic Johnson, whom he publicly snubbed after feeling betrayed.
Despite these conflicts, Jordan’s talent and drive made him a six-time NBA champion and one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Despite his fame and success, Jordan’s personal life was not without its challenges.
His marriage to Juanita Vanoy faced scrutiny from his parents, who appeared to be jealous of her.
Jordan continued to indulge in his vices, maintaining a secretive lifestyle filled with gambling and golf outings.
Overall, “Michael Jordan: The Life” offers a candid look into the complex life of a basketball superstar.
It delves into the struggles and triumphs that shaped Jordan’s journey, highlighting his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
