Meeting Michael Jordan “What if God was one of us? And what would you ask if you had just one question?” The refrains of that song by Joan Osborne drifted through my head as I prepped my brother Michael to meet his childhood idol and role model, Michael Jordan. We were headed to a prize fight sponsored by the Jordan Brand, and with luck there was a chance we’d have a minute with the Big Man himself. But that would be it. And so the question was, what would my brother do with that snapshot in time? To answer that question, I asked my self, who was my role model, and what would my question be to her? The answer to the first was easy. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy has been a political and fashion icon to the nation for generations. But to me, her example as a journalist, and mother have always been an inspiration. After some thought, I decided that my one question would ask: how intentional was that icon status that she seemed to achieve so effortlessly? Years ago, when her son JFK Jr. plunged his plane into the ocean, I had occasion to interview Jackie’s step brother, James Auchincloss. I asked him about the iconic moment when then three year old John John stepped forward to salute his father’s funeral procession. How on earth had Jackie orchestrated a moment so poingnent? It was simple, he told me. Jackie had taught her toddling son to salute his father’s plane, when Airforce One would pass overhead. So on the day the nation said goodbye to it’s President, his son was able to encapsulate the people’s grief in one, unforgettable salute. But did she know how that moment would endure? What about her decision not to take off the pink suit that had been stained with the president’s blood? And later, after the funeral as she commissioned the late president’s obituary, where did she come up with the analogy to Camelot? Surely that was no accident. But how many of her iconic acts were intentional, and how many were genuine expressions of her grief? But Jackie’s gone. And even if she were here, I have to ask, would I really want know the answer? In an article written for Portland Monthly Magazine, Portland music legend, Art Alexakis compares being famous to being the coolest dog on the block. People stop on the street to pet you and tell you how wonderful you are, but in the end, you’re still just a dog. Based on the time I’ve spent with Art – I’d have to agree. He can be a dog. But can’t we all? So in the end, I’d say: he’s human. And while he’s achieved huge success in his life, he is still just a guy going through a divorce, or a bankruptcy, and doing the best he can with what he’s got. Or, in the words of Joan Osborne: just a slob like one of us. Michael Jordan is certainly no slob. He has done a remarkable amount with what he’s got. The fight he brought to the Rose Garden was a display of epic proportions. The main bout featured Floyd Mayweather, billed as “pound for pound the best boxer in the world.” The more casual fans among us enjoyed the unexpected music at center ring, performed by saxophonist Mike Phillips -- the only non-athlete to be sponsored by the Jordan Brand. I enjoyed dressing up – wearing sunglasses indoors and ropes and ropes of pearls. None of it, unfortunately, was sponsored by Michael Jordan. It was at the after party, in the exclusive Rose Room, that we finally got our chance to meet the man himself. Growing up, Michael Allen was a natural athlete who excelled easily beyond his peers. But Michael Jordan set an example of holding himself to a higher standard. Measuring himself against personal bests instead of the skills of those around him. It was that example that helped my brother to focus and hone his own skills. But given all Jordan’s success, does he have any regrets? Is there anything that he’s ashamed of doing? Again I ask, do we really want to know the answer? Is it, in the end, enough that he lived, and set the example that he did for others to follow? All this whirled in my mind as the the moment finally came, and Michael and I were waved behind the velvet rope to where Jordan sat. I leaned down and said “Michael, this is my brother Michael, and he admires you a lot”. And when the two men shook hands, and the fan finally met the man he’d looked up to for a lifetime, there was no question. Instead, the words that came were of admiration and gratitude. And that was enough.

 

What did you think of this article?

Liked
Disliked
No Opinion