The good-natured attempt at bringing back the legendary Chicago Bulls together ultimately failed to reunite Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen after the pair skipped the event.
The inaugural Ring of Honor gala featured 13 players, coaches and executives being inducted. Along with Jordan and Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Phil Jackson, Artis Gilmore, Johnny “Red” Kerr, Dick Klein, Jerry Krause, Bob Love, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker and Tex Winter are all being given their place in Bulls folklore – as well as the 1995-96 team that won a record-breaking 72 games.
But Jordan and Pippen were conspicuous by their absence after pulling a no-show, although they did inform organizers in advance they would not be attending.
The famous pair were the stars of the team’s six-championship dynasty in the 90s, but their turbulent relationship was well-documented in the 2020 Netlfix documentary ‘The Last Dance’.
Since then, Pippen has not shied away from taking a multitude of swipes at the NBA icon, calling Jordan a “horrible player”, and he was fired as the franchise’s ambassador shortly after.
“I actually don’t know how much effort went into it,” Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
“Obviously, it would be better if everybody were here, but we knew going in that not everybody could be here. I believe Michael recorded something.”
Why didn’t Jordan and Pippen turn up?
While he did not give a reason for not being able to attend the event, some believe it was an attempt to duck Pippen as they still do not get on. What’s more, his son Marcus is currently dating Pippen’s ex-wife, Larsa, which has only added to the awkwardness.
But the Bulls didn’t mind, having uploaded an 80-second video clip from the six-time NBA champion where he gave an impassioned tribute to the team’s fans.
“I am so bummed that I can’t be there tonight, but I don’t want that to stop the fun that you guys are going to have,” Jordan said.
“And believe me, I am very grateful and very honored. To the fans, you guys have supported me ever since I stepped foot in Chicago. And even today, I see a lot of Chicago fans all over.
“So, I think we made an impression and changed what Chicago represents in terms of champions. Every time you look up in the rafters, I want you to always remember, where we were and where we are. And we are always going to be champions.”
