When was the last time Michael Jordan made a public appearance? Even though he sent a special message to fans, the 6x champion’s absence was felt in the Chicago Bulls‘ Ring of Honor event. Rather than living a life constantly in the spotlight, MJ enjoys a reclusive life. After his third retirement, he began to disappear from the public eye. Even when he made public appearances, he quickly departed once his duties were completed, with minimal to almost no interaction with fans and the media.
While he has never mentioned the reason to the public, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith recently shared his opinion on the matter. During his appearance at the PBD Podcast, Smith shared, “I would tell you knowing him the way that I do he’s incredibly guarded.” He further added, “The other reason is the Jordan brand. It’s similar to Hollywood in this regard, the wrong syllable can cost you at the box office, people misconstrue you’re subjecting yourself to the mercy of others’ interpretations of what you say feel etc etc, and Michael Jordan is not somebody that ever ever wants to give himself that headache.”
As per Smith, the Jordan brand is equivalent to the vast and illustrious Tinseltown. The brand has earned over $6.9 billion in revenue last year. However, as he noted, these two indeed have one thing in common, prying eyes constantly looking for flaws. But those who have always followed MJ might be aware of how the 6x champion has always preferred a calm life.
Michael Jordan prefers peace over public attention
Back in the 90’s when Jordan’s popularity skyrocketed with fans worldwide, the one that he missed the most was being able to walk on the roads of Paris without fans disturbing his peace. He loved how no one paid attention to him. He cherished being free to go anywhere and do anything he wanted in the city. Something similar was also mentioned by Sam Smith.
Since his rookie year, His Airness has always dedicated much time to the business part of his life. So, Stephen A. Smith might be right in his opinion. But there are other interesting facts too that need to be considered. The author of the book, ‘The Jordan Rules‘ once mentioned how it has always been Jordan’s wish to disappear from public attention. “He doesn’t want to be a public figure. He always used to talk, way earlier, and he would tell us, ‘Once I’m gone, you’ll never see me again.’ He’s probably the most famous person in the world, maybe the most beloved, but he doesn’t take advantage of that, and he never has,” Smith said in an episode of The Colin Cowherd Podcast.