The Chicago Bulls celebrated this Friday a tribute to their legends that was marred by the defeat against the Golden State Warriors (131-140), by the unfortunate boos of Jerry Krause and the absences of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.
During the break, the Bulls honored players and coaches who have marked the history of the team in the celebration of the inaugural ‘Ring of Honor’ promotion, a ceremony that will take place every two years.
Bulls fans regretted on social media the announced absences from the ceremony of Jordan and Pippen, both winners of six rings with one of the most legendary teams in history.
However, they celebrated a video released by the team in which the always controversial Rodman expressed his frustration at not being able to make it to Chicago.
“I tried to get there, I really wanted to, but I guess the weather prevented it. I can’t even talk, I’m getting excited again… If I were Superman I would be there in about 10 minutes,” he said.
Jordan also expressed his frustration at not being able to be at the celebration, congratulated his teammates and thanked executives Jerry Reinsdorf and Michael Reinsdorf for organizing the event in another video published by the club.
“I want them to always remember where we were and where we are. And we will always be champions,” said the 23rd.
Deplorable boos for Krause
The most deplorable and bitter moment of the evening was experienced when the name of Krause was announced, who was the general manager of those historic Bulls and who has a bad reputation among a large part of the public who accuses him of having broken that team.
Krause, who died in 2017 at age 77, was booed tonight as the cameras focused on his widow Thelma, dissolved in tears as she heard those pitiful screams coming from the stands of the United Center.
Shortly after, Michael Reinsdorf, CEO of the Bulls, issued a statement in defense of Krause.
“His legacy deserves to be celebrated and respected. We are incredibly honored to have Thelma tonight to recognize Jerry,” he said.
For her part, Stacey King, a former Bulls player at that time and now a television commentator, harshly attacked those who booed Krause.
“What we witnessed today when Krause’s name was mentioned and the people who booed him and his widow, who accepted the honor on his behalf, was the worst thing I have ever seen in my life,” he said live during the broadcast of the game.
“Those who booed him should be ashamed of themselves. Chicago isn’t like that. That’s New York or Philadelphia, but Chicago isn’t like that. We don’t have a reputation for being like that. Whether you like Krause or not, that man brought six championships here “He didn’t make a shot or grab a rebound, but he put six titles up there in this stadium. There are a lot of teams that only have one. This was really rude,” he added.
In addition, Steve Kerr, coach of the Warriors but also a former player of those Bulls, said that the boos were “absolutely shameful” and said he felt “devastated” for Thelma and the rest of the Krause family.
Aside from that sad moment, the most applauded of those honored tonight was Phil Jackson, coach of the Bulls with six rings and who won five other titles with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The fans also seemed to criticize the tribute presenter when he gave way to the next name of those honored while the audience wanted to dedicate more time to applauding the coach.
Also recognized were, among others, Jerry Sloan, Toni Kukoc, Tex Winter and the team from the 1995-1996 season of 72 victories.
2024-01-13 09:11:48
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