Former UNC player Michael Jordan’s father defended him after the criticism he received for his gambling scandal at Atlantic City: “He has sacrificed to try and satisfy everybody”…

Former UNC player Michael Jordan’s father defended him after the criticism he received for his gambling scandal at Atlantic City: “He has sacrificed to try and satisfy everybody”

 

In the wake of renewed public scrutiny over NBA legend Michael Jordan’s past gambling activities in Atlantic City, the late James Jordan, father of the basketball icon, has resurfaced in headlines for a powerful and heartfelt defense of his son during the height of the controversy decades ago. A recently unearthed interview from 1993 has reignited conversations about how the elder Jordan viewed the backlash his son received and the toll it took on their family.

 

At the time, Michael Jordan was facing mounting criticism following reports that he had been seen gambling in Atlantic City the night before a critical playoff game against the New York Knicks. Media speculation quickly spiraled into a full-blown scandal, with many questioning whether Jordan’s off-court behavior reflected poorly on his legacy and commitment to basketball.

 

But James Jordan, speaking candidly in an interview shortly after the media frenzy began, made it clear that he believed the narrative was unfair and hurtful.

 

“Michael has sacrificed to try and satisfy everybody,” James said. “He’s worked harder than anyone to be the best, not just for himself, but for the fans, the game, and his family. What more do people want from him?”

 

He went on to describe how the criticism affected his son personally, calling the scrutiny “exhausting and undeserved.”

 

“People forget he’s human. He’s not perfect, but he’s always played the game with integrity and given back more than he’s ever taken. So for people to reduce him to headlines about casinos and gambling debts—it’s just wrong.”

 

Michael Jordan, who later admitted he used gambling as a way to decompress from the pressures of fame and competition, has never been found guilty of any wrongdoing in connection to his activities in Atlantic City. Still, the media frenzy at the time contributed to his sudden first retirement from the NBA in 1993, just months after winning his third consecutive championship with the Chicago Bulls.

 

The rediscovered clip has stirred strong reactions on social media, with many fans expressing newfound appreciation for the emotional toll the scandal took on Jordan and his family.

 

Sports journalist Claire Hendricks commented on X (formerly Twitter), “James Jordan’s words hit differently now. It’s a reminder of the incredible pressure that comes with greatness, and how unfairly we sometimes judge our heroes.”

 

James Jordan was tragically murdered later that same year in 1993, making his words about his son all the more poignant in retrospect. For many, the recent resurfacing of his interview serves as a touching reminder of a father’s unwavering support—and a challenge to rethink how public figures are treated under the spotlight.

 

As Michael Jordan continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest athletes of all time, the story behind the man—and the family that stood by him—remains just as compelling as his legendary career.