Revealed: Michael Jordan didn’t turn down $10M Nike deal
Recently, a story started circulating on social media claiming that Michael Jordan turned down a $10 million deal with Nike because he didn’t want to “save” the brand’s “woke” image. However, this claim has been proven to be false. This narrative stems from a report posted on the Esspots website on October 3, 2023, which is known for its parody and satirical content, leading to confusion and misinformation among readers.
Uncovering the Roots of False Claims
This false claim can be traced back to Esspots, a website that openly admits it focuses on “fake news and absurdity” with an element of humor and satire. The story was repackaged and shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, losing its original satirical context. This practice, known as “stealing satire,” misleads readers into believing that the narratives are real news. As a result, the false narrative about Jordan and Nike was retweeted more than 6,000 times in one week.
Analyzing the truth behind Jordan’s collaboration with Nike
Contrary to false claims, Michael Jordan has a long-standing and lucrative partnership with Nike. Beginning in 1984, this partnership resulted in the iconic Air Jordan shoe and contributed significantly to Nike’s global reputation and success. As of 2023, Jordan reportedly earned approximately $1.5 billion from his deal with Nike.
Fact-checking group debunks false claims
Fact-checking groups including USA Today and AFP have debunked false claims that Michael Jordan allegedly turned down a Nike deal. They found no credible reports or evidence to support this claim. As such, the narrative remains a piece of satire, taken out of its original context and presented as factual journalism.
In conclusion, the suggestion that Michael Jordan refused to sign a $10 million deal with Nike to save his “woke” image is false. It serves as a reminder of the importance of critical media literacy in the age of digital journalism, where satire can be mistaken for truth and shares and likes can amplify false narratives.