Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Michael Jordan chose shoes over human rights

[Heilige]

On Tuesday night, a new documentary about the life of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, titled "Kareem: Minority of One," aired on HBO. It was an interesting reminder of the highs and lows in Abdul-Jabbar's life for those who might be unfamiliar with his story, although it didn't add much more detail than Abdul-Jabbar has shared in previous interviews and books.

Instead, some of Abdul-Jabbar's more interesting comments came from an NPR interview to help promote the documentary. In discussing Abdul-Jabbar's political activism, Michael Jordan's famous (although possibly apocryphal) "Republicans buy sneakers, too," quote was mentioned. And the Hall of Fame center responded that Jordan chose "commerce over conscience."

"You can't be afraid of losing shoe sales if you're worried about your civil and human rights. He took commerce over conscience. It's unfortunate for him, but he's gotta live with it."

Abdul-Jabbar also told NPR's Michel Martin that he paid a price for his activism at times, although he declined to share any specific instances in the eight-minute interview. He also explained how the events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the way he presented his faith to the rest of the world.


http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/michael-jordan-kareem-abdul-jabbar-commerce-over-conscience-republicans-buy-sneakers-shoes-jordan-brand-110415



I get his point, not necessarily going to take one side over another, personally I feel everybody should stand up for the things they believe in...in this sense Jordan never took a stand against the injustices that Kareem did.

[Giaodollo]

Kareem seems mad.

[ArbitraryWater]

Kareem seems mad.

right though

[Asukal]

Unfortunately, Jordan made and is still making millions out of selling them shoes. Bad move by the GOAT. :no:

[Giaodollo]

right though
Right about what?

[90sgoat]

Michael Jordan grew up with an intact hard working family, worked harder than anyone at the game, never took a game off, always gave his all.

MJ was OLD SCHOOL with the mentality of the greatest generation. Culture wise MJ is pretty damn far away from hip hop, thuggery culture. MJ is more like a black Larry Bird than Magic Johnson or Kareem.

[Legends66NBA7]

I think he's living pretty fine with it, no ?

[FKAri]

MJ just doesn't think those kind of thoughts. He's been in his own world his whole life. Kareem's always looked outside himself and has qualities rarely seen in superstar athletes.

[Dro]

Michael Jordan grew up with an intact hard working family, worked harder than anyone at the game, never took a game off, always gave his all.

MJ was OLD SCHOOL with the mentality of the greatest generation. Culture wise MJ is pretty damn far away from hip hop, thuggery culture. MJ is more like a black Larry Bird than Magic Johnson or Kareem.
I agree with you although I'd hardly call put hip-hop and thuggery culture in the same sentence...

When I think hip-hop, I think Nas, KRS-ONE, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, etc.....

Even though have some hard lyrics also, for the most part, those guys are socially conscious and most importantly, actual MC's....

[Dro]

MJ just doesn't think those kind of thoughts. He's been in his own world his whole life. Kareem's always looked outside himself and has qualities rarely seen in superstar athletes.
This is true though...Look at MJ...He's been praised as pretty much the best b-ball player in the world since like his 2nd/3rd year, has had his azz kissed since he entered the NBA. There's no way he can relate to what goes on in the streets, no possible way...He's not Javaris Crittenden, rofl...

[1987_Lakers]

When they were teammates Craig Hodges use to criticize Michael Jordan for not being involved in social issues.

At the end of the day Jordan only cares about himself, he looks at you guys as suckers for making him even more rich by buying his shoes etc etc. Dude is the Mayweather of the NBA.

[1987_Lakers]

MJ just doesn't think those kind of thoughts. He's been in his own world his whole life. Kareem's always looked outside himself and has qualities rarely seen in superstar athletes.

Kareem is a weird personality, he was very involved in social issues, but on the basketball court he was never a good leader and he had trouble connecting with teammates.

[warriorfan]

Jordan is ALPHA

[LikeMike]

Not surprising. He chose money over his father.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Yet, MJ is one of the best beloved and respected athletes ever, drowning in money, and everyone seems to hate KAJ (not even sure why).

Good choices are good.

[1987_Lakers]

Yet, MJ is one of the best beloved and respected athletes ever, drowning in money, and everyone seems to hate KAJ (not even sure why).

Good choices are good.

You are only loved if the media portrays you in a positive light and Kareem always had a shaky relationship with the media, he also didn't have an outgoing personality.

It's such a shame, guys like Magic, Bird, Shaq, & Russell get tons of recognition to this day by fans and the media while Kareem is somewhat ignored despite the fact that he was just as good if not better than those guys as a basketball player.

[feyki]

You are only loved if the media portrays you in a positive light and Kareem always had a shaky relationship with the media, he also didn't have an outgoing personality.

It's such a shame, guys like Magic, Bird, Shaq, & Russell get tons of recognition to this day by fans and the media while Kareem is somewhat ignored despite the fact that he was just as good if not better than those guys as a basketball player.


http://41.media.tumblr.com/03049032172bda7c9b0eade94baafc74/tumblr_mves0a9jjh1qcmnsoo1_r1_1280.png

[FKAri]

Yet, MJ is one of the best beloved and respected athletes ever, drowning in money, and everyone seems to hate KAJ (not even sure why).

Good choices are good.

MJ is a gigantic asshole. Everyone who has interacted with him says as much. His 'image' has always been very carefully maintained by the companies around him.

KAJ didn't have the media on his side. He was uncooperative with them so they've never scratched his back.

This is how propaganda and politics works. The media is all powerful. I've followed the things KAJ has been involved with since his retirement and altho I wasn't really a fan of his or the Lakers he seems like a worldy dude who tries to do good things.


You are only loved if the media portrays you in a positive light and Kareem always had a shaky relationship with the media, he also didn't have an outgoing personality.

It's such a shame, guys like Magic, Bird, Shaq, & Russell get tons of recognition to this day by fans and the media while Kareem is somewhat ignored despite the fact that he was just as good if not better than those guys as a basketball player.

Pretty much. KAJ was a low key guy + he wasn't very cooperative media. Moses Malone also gets little to no respect as an all time great among many others.

[HighFlyer23]

Jordan is a garbage human being, this is common knowledge

[gcvbcat]

Kareem chose a desert pedophile over human rights so he can shut the fvck up

greatest post ever, everybody needs to shut the **** up now.

[deja vu]

C'mon now, just because you are the greatest basketball player ever doesn't mean that you have to be an activist or human rights campaigner or whatever.

[Spurs5Rings2014]

Culture wise MJ is pretty damn far away from hip hop, thuggery culture.

The Chamillionaire/Michael Jordan Story may change your mind about that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ZQERHL6ow

[SCdac]

99% of people will choose convenience, familiarity, and economic success over protesting human rights abuses. Nobody is going to put down their iphones, laptops, and tennis shoes made in sweatshops (basically) because it's easier to look the other direction and forget about it

[FreezingTsmoove]

I freaking hate society of today. If you have money you are hated on, if you were born with money you are hated on. Only way to get respect is to be a broke ass ***** struggling to make ends meet :facepalm

Jordan has provided the world with SHOES something EVERYBODY needs. Every single person needs shoes. Yet we are going to hate on a guy for making shoes. :oldlol:

[scandisk_]

I freaking hate society of today. If you have money you are hated on, if you were born with money you are hated on. Only way to get respect is to be a broke ass ***** struggling to make ends meet :facepalm

Jordan has provided the world with SHOES something EVERYBODY needs. Every single person needs shoes. Yet we are going to hate on a guy for making shoes. :oldlol:

And you can hate how JB/Nike makes their shoes :applause:

no way out for EMJAY.

On topic though, it seems that Kareem has never found peace with himself, he's as bitter and in the same level of assholery as MJ.

[Duffy Pratt]

Jordan couldn't even make his high school team as a sophomore. Kareem led Power Memorial to an NYC championship as a sophomore.

And Jordan didn't just do shoes. We are forgetting the underwear. That's important!

[dhsilv]

Kareem is a weird personality, he was very involved in social issues, but on the basketball court he was never a good leader and he had trouble connecting with teammates.

Kareem's problem was point blank, he was the smartest person in the room by a LOT nearly always. It was painful seeing him dumb down comments to reporters. He is a brilliant guy...bragging rights at mensa smart.

[Spurs5Rings2014]

99% of people will choose convenience, familiarity, and economic success over protesting human rights abuses. Nobody is going to put down their iphones, laptops, and tennis shoes made in sweatshops (basically) because it's easier to look the other direction and forget about it

That's where you're wrong, boss. Kareem and people like him clearly exist, they are just a tiny minority and very insignificant most of the time.

[bigkingsfan]

That's where you're wrong, boss. Kareem and people like him clearly exist, they are just a tiny minority and very insignificant most of the time.
Kareem isn't marketable at all, so he turned into a salty man.

[FKAri]

I freaking hate society of today. If you have money you are hated on, if you were born with money you are hated on. Only way to get respect is to be a broke ass ***** struggling to make ends meet :facepalm

Jordan has provided the world with SHOES something EVERYBODY needs. Every single person needs shoes. Yet we are going to hate on a guy for making shoes. :oldlol:

Has nothing to do with money nigguh. It's not about hating on MJ. It's about appreciating guys like KAJ

[Gileraracer]

Every big company does that.

[AirFederer]

Well Kareem has a point.

[brain drain]

That's what alphas do.

True alpha men choose shoes over human rights every ****ing time.

[dunksby]

Kareem the GOAT human being and the GOAT basketball player :bowdown: Jordan chose baseball over basketball too :roll:

[MiseryCityTexas]

Michael Jordan grew up with an intact hard working family, worked harder than anyone at the game, never took a game off, always gave his all.

MJ was OLD SCHOOL with the mentality of the greatest generation. Culture wise MJ is pretty damn far away from hip hop, thuggery culture. MJ is more like a black Larry Bird than Magic Johnson or Kareem.

Public Enemy was one of Jordan's favorite rap groups though, and Jordan claimed to be a democrat and supported the democratic party in the past.

[MiseryCityTexas]

Kareem isn't marketable at all, so he turned into a salty man.

he used to be in all kinds of movies in the 70s, and Converse gave him his own signature shoe in the 70s also. Kareem was very marketable when he was in his prime.

[dunksby]

Kareem isn't marketable at all, so he turned into a salty man.
You are the salty ass basement dweller hating on a winner and a decent human being, because you are scum and can't stand decency, btw here is your unmarketable Kareem:


Guys with Kids (TV Series)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- First Birthday (2012) ... Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Pilot (2012) ... Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

2006 Whitepaddy
Hank

1998 Saved by the Bell: The New Class (TV Series)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Maria's Revenge (1998) ... Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

1996 Martin (TV Series)
Dr. Skyhook
- Why Can't We Be Friends: Part 2 (1996) ... Dr. Skyhook

1995 Slam Dunk Ernest (Video)
The Archangel of Basketball

1995 Forget Paris
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

1994 The Critic (TV Series)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- A Day at the Races and a Night at the Opera (1994) ... Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (voice)

1994 The Stand (TV Mini-Series)
The Monster / Monster Shouter
- The Dreams (1994) ... The Monster
- The Plague (1994) ... Monster Shouter

1993 Matrix (TV Series)
Blind Man
- Shadows from the Past (1993) ... Blind Man

1991 Uncle Buck (TV Series)
Judge
- The People's Half Court (1991) ... Judge

1991 Amen (TV Series)
The Wiz
- The Deacon's Slam Dunk (1991) ... The Wiz

1990 21 Jump Street (TV Series)
Wesley Williams
- Hi Mom (1990) ... Wesley Williams

1989 Jake Spanner, Private Eye (TV Movie)
Man at Sal's House

1987 Bustin' Loose (TV Series)
- Go for the Gold (1987)

1982-1985 Diff'rent Strokes (TV Series)
Mr. Wilkes
- A Tale of Two Teachers (1985) ... Mr. Wilkes
- Substitute Teacher (1982) ... Mr. Wilkes

1985 Fletch
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

1985 Tales from the Darkside (TV Series)
The Djinn, Jan Bin Jan
- Djinn, No Chaser (1985) ... The Djinn, Jan Bin Jan

1980 Airplane!
Murdock (as Kareem Abdul-Jabaar)

1977 Man from Atlantis (TV Series)
Thark
- Giant (1977) ... Thark

1974 Emergency! (TV Series)
Man Stuck in Car
- Foreign Trade (1974) ... Man Stuck in Car

1971 Mannix (TV Series)
Jeff
- A Day Filled with Shadows (1971) ... Jeff (as Lewis Alcindor)
VS


Space Jam
Michael Jordan
1990 Almost Live! (TV Series)
- Episode dated 17 November 1990 (1990)
1990 Kenny Rogers Classic Weekend (TV Movie)

[bigkingsfan]

You are the salty ass basement dweller hating on a winner and a decent human being, because you are scum and can't stand decency, btw here is your unmarketable Kareem:

Did you name a bunch of obscure TV shows in his post NBA career to try to prove this? Thanks for making my point.

Jordan Net worth 1 Billion.
VS
Kareem 20 million

[dunksby]

Did you name a bunch of obscure TV shows in his post NBA career to try to prove this? Thanks for making my point.

Jordan Net worth 1 Billion.
VS
Kareem 20 million
You brought up marketability like Kareem wasn't known globally, the thread is not about how much they are worth marketable anyway. The point is that Kareem is a decent human being who has always been aware of social issues and taken stance while Jordan doesn't give a shit about anybody other than himself. Him being a billionaire as a result only cements the point, but your servant mentality doesn't realize that, you serve and idolize the rich by nature.
PS: I didn't even include a few movies either, not my fault Jordan can't act for shit dont hate :lol

[NumberSix]

Human rights? What human rights? What exactly are these humans rights issues from the 80s or 90s that Jordan ignored in favor of shoes?

[bigkingsfan]

You brought up marketability like Kareem wasn't known globally, the thread is not about how much they are worth marketable anyway. The point is that Kareem is a decent human being who has always been aware of social issues and taken stance while Jordan doesn't give a shit about anybody other than himself. Him being a billionaire as a result only cements the point, but your servant mentality doesn't realize that, you serve and idolize the rich by nature.
PS: I didn't even include a few movies either, not my fault Jordan can't act for shit dont hate :lol

Kareem actually tried to made money but failed at it, you can read about his real estates failures when he lost millions in the 80's. Marketing companies didn't give a fk about him once he retired, so he took a different route.

Who cares if Jordan can't act, made more off that movie than Kareem did in his lifetime

[dunksby]

Kareem actually tried to made money but failed at it, you can read about his real estates failures when he lost millions in the 80's. Marketing companies didn't give a fk about him once he retired, so he took a different route.

Who cares if Jordan can't act, made more off that movie than Kareem did in his lifetime
You mean Collins invested his money in real estate without telling him? I knew you were clueless but damn you are just throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks. Again, social awareness and caring not about money, keep misdirecting though. We all know Jordan is a billionaire, good for him but not the point.

[RidonKs]

any one can sell out and loads of people do

you cannot judge michael jordan strictly on that basis

but the fact does speak for itself

[bigkingsfan]

You mean Collins invested his money in real estate without telling him? I knew you were clueless but damn you are just throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks. Again, social awareness and caring not about money, keep misdirecting though. We all know Jordan is a billionaire, good for him but not the point.

Anytime you lend out your money, you need to keep tabs on it. Lets not sit here and act like Kareem didn't want more money. He just wasn't very good at it.

[Springsteen]

inb4 3ball makes an 2 page essay on the navigation efficiency of Jordan's sneakers over Kareem's comments.

[Asukal]

You brought up marketability like Kareem wasn't known globally, the thread is not about how much they are worth marketable anyway. The point is that Kareem is a decent human being who has always been aware of social issues and taken stance while Jordan doesn't give a shit about anybody other than himself. Him being a billionaire as a result only cements the point, but your servant mentality doesn't realize that, you serve and idolize the rich by nature.
PS: I didn't even include a few movies either, not my fault Jordan can't act for shit dont hate :lol

You are absolutely right, the GOAT is an indecent human being for choosing to be neutral on a social issue. He must have killed millions by doing so. He also contributes to some charities, what an "indecent" fellow. :rolleyes:

[dubeta]

He also chose gambling over his fathers well being.


As you can see, he didn't always make great decisions.

[ralph_i_el]

abdul chose jihad, isis, hezbolla, al queda, taliban, al shabab, boko haram...over peace. he can shut the **** up.
:facepalm

If you hold Christians to all the ****ed up stuff they've done, this can get really messy.

[DMV2]

Kareem and Jim Brown always say stuff like this to Jordan, Kobe and Tiger Woods. http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20131213/jim-browns-criticism-of-kobe-bryant-is-off-base

Kareem and Brown came from a civil rights era.

Jordan, Kobe, Tiger come from a corporate era. I'm sure we can look up the various charity work each men have done through out their careers. Why do they have to do it for the "black cause"? What is the black cause?

Kareem just a grumpy old man who knows he couldn't lead a team to two 3-peats like MJ did. Only one 1 championship during a decade where he won 5 MVPs. Needed the GOAT PG to get the rest of his rings.

[NumberSix]

Kareem and Jim Brown always say stuff like this to Jordan, Kobe and Tiger Woods. http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20131213/jim-browns-criticism-of-kobe-bryant-is-off-base

Kareem and Brown came from a civil rights era.

Jordan, Kobe, Tiger come from a corporate era. I'm sure we can look up the various charity work each men have done through out their careers. Why do they have to do it for the "black cause"? What is the black cause?

Kareem just a grumpy old man who knows he couldn't lead a team to two 3-peats like MJ did. Only one 1 championship during a decade where he won 5 MVPs. Needed the GOAT PG to get the rest of his rings.
Apparently there was slavery or something in the 90s and MJ and Tiger were cool with it.

[Cali Syndicate]

Didn't jab at get most of his earnings robbed from him by his cpa? Usually shit like that alters your perspectives on life. Mj was provided an opportunity to make millions of dollars....most people would do the same. Blame corps for the inhumanity...they're the group making hundreds of billions off marketing to the lower socio economic group and providing a shit work environment for the 3rd world placed factories that produce their goods.

[scandisk_]

Apparently there was slavery or something in the 90s and MJ and Tiger were cool with it.

If we were in MJ's shoes we'd be neutral with these issues too. It's not his ball game and he definitely didn't feel the need to do so.

[poido123]

He also chose gambling over his fathers well being.


As you can see, he didn't always make great decisions.





Nor did your mother

[dunksby]

Anytime you lend out your money, you need to keep tabs on it. Lets not sit here and act like Kareem didn't want more money. He just wasn't very good at it.
Nothing with making and trying to make money, but that's not the point, keep dodging it although I have already exhausted various ways to make it clear to you.

[Derka]

I don't think Jordan loses any sleep over it, Kareem.

By all means though, keep riding that high horse you love so much if it makes you feel better.

[brownmamba00]

Kareem tellin it like how it is...mj that fake ***** don't give 2 shits about the black community or racial issues he probably sees himself as a fullblood Caucasian. He's probably bi sexual too

KAJ the real GOAT

[catch24]

Kareem tellin it like how it is...mj that fake ***** don't give 2 shits about the black community or racial issues he probably sees himself as a fullblood Caucasian. He's probably bi sexual too

KAJ the real GOAT

What the hell? :biggums:

[bigkingsfan]

Nothing with making and trying to make money, but that's not the point, keep dodging it although I have already exhausted various ways to make it clear to you.
Not everyone opinions needs to be heard when it comes to social issues. You seem to prioritize that above maximizing ones pocket, I don't.

[Magic 32]

Being "responsible" for the "advancement" of your own race must be a terrible thing around your neck.

I feel bad for the black athletes and entertainers who just want to do their own damn thing.

Forced tribalism. Yuck.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Being "responsible" for the "advancement" of your own race must be a terrible thing around your neck.

I feel bad for the black athletes and entertainers who just want to do their own damn thing.

Forced tribalism. Yuck.
This.

Also, what exactly do Republicans have to do with being against human rights?