Michael Jordan and his iconic stories with wagers are not uncommon to fans. Recently, yet another incident has come to the fore. It might even make you question the $3 billion man’s business acumen. Recently, former soccer player Gary Lineker shared an intriguing story with the listeners in the latest episode of ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast.
The sports broadcaster once had the opportunity to play against MJ and his friend, Samuel L. Jackson. Although Jordan liked to bet in some sports such as golf, he remained just as competitive in seeking out the win. Yet, this time, the odds were against the 6x NBA champion.
Was Michael Jordan deceived by Gary Lineker’s friend?
Gary Lineker recounted the occasion from “20 odd years ago.” Michael Jordan was in the latter parts of his career but found himself at Sunningdale where he played golf with the renowned actor Samuel L. Jackson, Lineker and a couple other companions. Being a club member, Lineker decided to host the guests. But he needed another member to host the additional guests so he invited his friend, Michael King, who was a former pro golfer.
However, as Lineker recalled, King loved to wager and he met his match in Jordan. When he asked MJ if he would like to put money on the game, the answer was in the affirmative. Lineker revealed the interaction. “So, how much would you like to play for?,” asked King. The Chicago Bulls legend replied, “Whatever makes you uncomfortable.”
Gary Lineker highlighted this as his Michael Jordan moment. The soccer legend would lose about 100 pounds in the wager. But the story wasn’t done yet. Apparently, King and Jordan had their own wager on a match. The former pro golfer later divulged to Lineker that he “fleeced him [Jordan] for a few thousand.”
“‘Well I(King) said to him, I said, Mr. Jordan’, he said, ‘In this country, when we play for money, we do tend to pay our debt.” Lineker added, “He said he (Jordan) went to the car and he said his driver brought over £2,000.”
Well, not a smart decision by the billionaire, as his losing wager far exceeded the one he won. But of course, Mike is well aware of the risks. It’s part of how he triggers his competitive spirit.
Jordan once bet his Ferrari in a shootout
Surely, 100 pounds and even 2000 pounds are pocket change for the only athlete to crack the Forbes 400. Furthermore, King’s version might hold some truth, considering the substantial amount MJ has lost in golf bets.
Many are well aware of this story. Michael Jordan once famously wagered his Ferrari against Jamal Crawford. Many sources have even confirmed the story. Crawford initially challenged MJ for $1000 in a 3-point shootout, which Jordan won. Unfazed by it, Crawford increased it to $5000 and won. That might have pushed MJ to propose a car bet.
While the 21-year-old took the offer and placed his Mercedes on the bet, Jordan had placed his Ferrari and ultimately won the wager. Did you know about this? Let us know in the comments section below.