Billionaire Michael Jordan once baffled by harsh criticism of Nike’s Vietnam fiasco

Large companies like Nike often find themselves under public scrutiny as one of the huge players in the industry. Back in the 1990s, the brand was criticized for significant issues with its working practices. While Nike is indeed one of the major forces with widespread global influence, it cannot escape relentless criticism. As the brand’s star and spokesperson, Michael Jordan is in the spotlight for the same reason.

In a New York Times bestseller, Playing for eternity: Michael Jordan and the world he createdDavid Halberstam gives insight into the entire situation.

Michael Jordan shocked by unexpected criticism

The Chicago Bulls legend’s impact on Nike is well understood. However, his association with Nike has made him a focus of admiration and criticism. Like other sports stars and celebrities associated with the brand, Jordan didn’t anticipate the challenges that would come with being part of a corporate giant under the scrutiny of the public.

As the author of the book says, he was shocked by the sudden turn of events. Cartoon images of the legend and Nike also made headlines after they appeared in the comic Doonesbury. Speaking about this situation, Halberstam elaborated: “The outrage seemed to confuse Jordan, who, like other celebrities caught up in the designer clothing game, never imagined that the easy affluence his endorsements brought him could or should have such a negative impact,” I added: “Nor did he know that he would be targeted for picketing on suspicion of child exploitation in some faraway country. “

stuck in’Designer Clothes Game”, the basketball legend found himself confused by the sudden backlash.

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Phil Knight is equally baffled by the situation

According to reports, in 1998, many factory workers producing Nike shoes in Vietnam encountered problems such as low wages. Halberstam’s book also discusses Jordan’s consideration of a trip to a factory in Vietnam in the spring of 1998. However, that trip was later postponed. We also find out from the book that Jordan wasn’t the only one confused. Nike co-founder Phil Knight faced a similar situation.

He wrote, “If anyone was more bewildered by the outrage than Jordan, it was Knight himself. “Asia has long fascinated him. “ I added: ““Long ago he recognized the region’s growing importance not only as a market but, more importantly, as a challenger to traditional Western economic hegemony.”

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