On the TunneySide of Sports July 6, 2020 #803 Up next… Looking out for No. 1
After further review… The 10–part Michael Jordan review of his life that aired on ESPN during the months of April and May 2020 was a huge success. It is reported to have drawn 5.6 million viewers of which I was one. That number of viewers made it the most-watched documentary in ESPN’s history. I thoroughly enjoyed that telecast.
As a kid growing-up with always a basketball in my hands or at least in my box of athletic gear, I could always be found on our local school playground just shooting baskets, with only a rim, no net, and finding others to play. And of course, only until dark.
When I was a senior in high school our T*E*A*M, tied for the league championship. Matriculating to Occidental College I played four years. After graduating I played in an Industrial league as well as beginning to officiate basketball for the next 30 years at the high school and college levels. I also coached high school basketball for four years. My purpose in describing this was to explain how involved I was in the game.
Although MJ stood out, it was and always will or should be a T*E*A*M (Together Everyone Accomplishes More). Michael’s journey and superb athletic abilities was second-to-none. He definitely made those around him play better. Yet, he was a tough taskmaster with his teammates as he expected them to work as hard as he did and always give their best effort. Once they did, he knew that team could be a winner.
With the 1995-96 season being the best of all-time at 72 & 10, the Bulls complemented Michael with Scotty Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jack Haley, John Salley, and little-used guard named Steve Kerr. Kerr has quite a basketball history: minimally recruited out of Pacific Palisades High (LA) Kerr was twice All-Conference (Pac-12) guard at Arizona, drafted in the second round (1988) by Phoenix, then traded to Cleveland, then to Orlando, he signed with the Bulls in 1993.
During his time with the Bulls and with M.J, he was assigned to guard #23 in team scrimmages. M.J. proceeded to play “rough” with Kerr his defender. Kerr didn’t back down, but instead stood-up to this legend. M.J. at 6’6” hauled-off and punched Kerr, who was 6’3” (on a clear day). Kerr fought back. One doesn’t do that to a legend. M.J. said he felt bad punching a littler guy but gained respect for Kerr for standing up to him. Their relationship blossomed after that. Kerr has been successful as a player, team administrator and head coach of the Golden State Warriors with multiple NBA Championships.
Will you stand-up when the time and situation calls for it?
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