Scottie Pippen (PC: Getty Images)
Trigger warning: The following article contains descriptions of violence.
Michael Jordan is reportedly hurt by the actions of former Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen. Stephen A. Smith said that’s because Pippen didn’t help Jordan’s father when he was murdered in 1993. Scottie was very close to Jordan’s father, James Jordan. Tragically, Jordan’s father was shot to death in his car in South Carolina by two young men who are currently serving life sentences for first-degree murder.
In 2021, Pippen published a book called “Unguarded” in which he admitted that he did not contact Jordan when news of his father’s death broke. “I feel horrible every time I think about it. Michael’s father, James Jordan, was murdered,” he wrote. Stephen A. Smith shed more light on the incident.
Stephen A. Smith talks rift between Jordan and Pippen
Pippen also mentioned before, “The two are inseparable. When I heard the news, I should contact Michael immediately. I lost my father three years ago, and I might be able to give Michael some comfort. To this day, he and I are still There was no talk about his father’s death.”
According to Stephen A. Smith, acknowledging his late father was what destroyed any prospects for a future friendship between them. On the podcast, he confidently expressed Michael Jordan’s hurt feelings over Pippen not reaching out.
He also mentioned how he was on the phone with Jordan the day the book was released. According to Smith, Jordan didn’t think much of it when his father died, but after the book was published, he realized the omission was intentional. Smith quoted Jordan as saying, “I hope it’s worth it for him. I don’t have anything to say.”
How does Smith feel about this?
After quoting Jordan, Smith also mentioned that he understands what it means. He reportedly hinted that Jordan no longer had any relationship with Pippen.
The relationship seemed to take a further hit when Pippen’s ex-wife Larsa began dating Jordan’s son Marcus, who is 17 years her junior. Although they have broken up and no longer speak, if Smith is correct, it is unlikely that the friendship between the two will be re-established.
What do you think about this situation?