ESPN made me do this.
I had no intention of making my grumblings about Michael Jordan public on his Hall of Fame induction weekend. Then ESPN had to go and run a poll asking if the NBA should retire Michael Jordan's #23 league-wide, as MLB has done with Jackie Robinson's #42.
Right now, 64% of respondents say yes, including 67% of Virginians. That number may be inflated because the question isn't properly worded on the website, making it sound like they're just asking if Jordan's number should be retired at all.
No one doubts Jordan's accomplishments on the court. Even if you don't think he's the best ever, it's hard to argue with people who think he is. But Michael Jordan is no Jackie Robinson.Jackie Robinson wasn't the best player in baseball. Even in his MVP year, 1949, he was only the third-best hitter in his league, behind Ralph Kiner and Stan Musial. But he revolutionized the game by bringing the Negro League's daring style of play to an increasingly boring league in desperate need of a spark (his rookie year, Jackie led the league with 29 stolen bases; only four other players even had double digits).
Of course, Robinson's on-field accomplishments pale in comparison to his incredible personal story. Before becoming a ballplayer, Robinson served in the Army and was nearly kicked out after refusing an officer's order to ride in the back of a bus. During his career, he showed a skeptical nation that black ballplayers can not simply play well, but do it with grace and class. And after his career, he used his fame to fight for civil rights.
What is Michael Jordan best known for off the court? Earning billions by selling $150 to kids who can't afford them. A serious gambling problem. Cheating on his wife.
Unfortunately, Jordan's corporate superstardom has been a role model for subsequent superstars. Both Tiger Woods and LeBron James refuse to take stands on political issues for fear of jeopardizing their lucrative sponsorships and business deals.
You want to retire a number league-wide? Retire Magic Johnson's #32. His biggest win came when he defeated our national fear of people with HIV. Magic has also invested in businesses in the black community. Retire Bill Russell's #6. Basketball's first true black superstar stood up against racism at the expense of his own popularity.
Major League Baseball didn't retire the number of the best player ever. Babe Ruth's #3 is still available to Jesus Flores and whoever else wants it. It retired Jackie's number to send a message that there can never be another Jackie Robinson. (Although I hope there's a female MLBer one day.)
For all his gravity-defying plays, Jordan never elevated himself off the court. Which means there will be other Michael Jordans. In fact, between his stellar play, lucrative sponsorships, and even the shared #23, LeBron James is doing a pretty good impression already.
Michael Jordan was a great basketball player. Maybe the best. Isn't that enough?
UPDATE: Wow, when I wrote this post, I hadn't even seen this yet.
