NBA
Michael Jordan Refused to Sign Autographs for His Chicago Bulls Teammates Without Getting Something in Return
Joe Kozlowski began his career as a sports journalist in 2013 and joined Sports7 in 2019. He covers the NBA and soccer for Sports7, with specialties in legacy NBA players such as Michael Jordan and Premier League club Arsenal. Off the clock, he's a Kansas City Chiefs fan and a hockey goalie. Growing up loving Shaquille O'Neal and reading everything he could about the great big men throughout NBA history — likely because he was still tall enough, at least relative to his peers, to play center — he's continued to love learning about and exploring the historical and story-based sides of the basketball archives. As for Arsenal, Joe spent a year living in London and latched onto the local support of the club. He's barely missed a match since, loving Arsene Wenger, enduring the Banter Era, and following along through rebuilds. The Premier League interest developed into a passionate following of the Champions League, Europe's big five league, and international soccer as a whole when played at the highest level. Regardless of the sport, Joe is captivated by the stories of athletes beyond the box scores and how they push the envelope — both in terms of what we think a human is capable of accomplishing and how they find new competitive tactics to win.
All posts by Joe KozlowskiUpdated28 Aug 2023
While no one could argue with Michael Jordan‘s athletic ability, His Airness wasn't always the nicest guy to deal with. Almost every basketball fan has heard stories of MJ's trash-talk and insatiable desire to win. Even the other guys on the Chicago Bulls' roster could feel Michael's wrath on occasion.
Although being Michael Jordan's teammate came with some perks, unlimited autographs weren't one of them. In fact, His Airness would only sign an autograph for a fellow Chicago Bull if they gave him something in return.
Michael Jordan didn't pull any punches, even if you were his teammate
For a basketball fan, hitting the court alongside Michael Jordan would probably be a dream come true. Being a member of the Chicago Bulls, however, wasn't always a happy experience.
MJ, for better or worse, had an incredible will to win. On one hand, that was a good thing. That drive inspired him to spend hours in the gym, honing his craft and striving to be the best he could be. On the other, though, he could hold others to unrealistic standards.
Jordan refused to let anyone hold him back, including his Chicago Bulls teammates. On one occasion, for example, he destroyed Rodney McCray's confidence with some brutal trash-talk during a scrimmage. On another, His Airness literally punched Steve Kerr.
Even those who didn't actively clash with MJ still could have some issues. Dennis Rodman, for instance, wouldn't speak to His Airness beyond the basketball court.
Michael Jordan refused to sign autographs for the Chicago Bulls without getting a favor in return
For all of the challenges dealing with Michael Jordan, the rest of the Chicago Bulls roster still reaped some rewards from playing alongside a living legend. Unlimited autographs, however, weren't part of the deal.
“Autographs were a sore subject among the players,” Sam Smith explained in The Jordan Rules, which the Chicago Tribune excerpted. “Jordan wouldn't sign autographs for his teammates, and when he did, he expected a favor in return. It's why the coaches had to stop asking him. Like everyone else involved with the Bulls, they were bombarded with requests for Jordan's autograph from friends, but Jordan would eventually expect some kind of payment.”
Even Phil Jackson, who was theoretically in charge of the Bulls, had to follow that rule. “[Stopping the requests] is one big thing that helped my relationship with him,” the head coach explained. “He couldn't look at me as someone asking him favors.”
The Chicago Bulls weren't the only ones to have issues with His Airness'
As you might imagine, Michael Jordan received many requests over the years. His Chicago Bulls teammates, it seems, weren't the only ones to have a less-than-ideal experience.
In 2009, Chamillionaire apparently attended a charity event and spent $7,500 on a Michael Jordan jersey. His Airness, however, was also in attendance. The rapper hoped that he could score a picture with the NBA legend.
Jordan, however, wasn't interested in giving away a photo for free. He apparently told Chamillionaire, “You pay $15,000 right now for a jersey from me, and I’ll take a picture with you.”
In terms of his athletic ability, Michael Jordan is one of the best ever to set foot on the hardwood. When it comes to doing favors for people, though, he's seemingly a bit out of his element.
