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/m...n-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.

[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.