The changes at the Charlotte Hornets are far from done. Since Michael Jordan stepped away from the ownership role, his closest confidant has resigned too. Fred Whitfield served as the COO of the Hornets and is largely known as MJ’s righthand man. His career, though, is more broader than that. Hence, his decision to step away from one of his biggest roles after 17 years in charge has surprised many.
Jordan officially completed the sale of the Hornets in August 2023 for an eye-popping $3 billion. Everyone anticipated more changes in the operations side with his exit. However, Whitfield’s latest decision had nothing to do with his old friend.
Michael Jordan’s second act alongside a friend
When Michael Jordan bought a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats in 2006, he brought in a new executive, Fred Whitfield. Ever since Hornets Sports & Entertainment named Whitfield to the team’s executive role, he was the only African-American COO in the NBA.
Whitfield served as the COO, president, vice chairman, and alternate governor, along with having a minority stake in the ownership of the Hornets. Jordan said about his appointment, “I’ve known Whitfield for over 35 years, and we have been through a lot together…We worked together when he worked with my agent, at Nike when we launched the Jordan Brand and he worked with me in the front office of the Wizards…I am thankful to have him as the team president and as my friend.”
In 2010, Jordan had full ownership of the erstwhile Bobcats. Whitfield supported the team in his role for 17 years, even while Jordan was in the process of selling his stake in the team. On December 6, the franchise announced his departure. They stated Whitfield was going to focus on his family and health.
Whitfield has successfully survived throat cancer in the last 18 months. He and his family are also caring for his ailing mother. He stated that it’s time to focus on himself and his family now.
The team was grateful for his years of service to the franchise. Jordan is yet to publicly respond to his old friend’s decision. Regardless, there’s proof their friendship will last.
MJ and Fred Whitfield through the years
Jordan and Whitfield’s dynamic was seen on The Last Dance briefly. Their friendship started well before the Black Cat was a household name. The born-and-bred Greensboro resident played basketball at Campbell University. He met UNC freshman, Jordan, at a basketball camp both were counselors at in the ’80s.
He’d visit Jordan at UNC to play or watch games. As Jordan said, Whitfield would work as his sports agent and help him run the Jordan Brand at Nike. He was also working in the front office of the Washington Wizards when Jordan was there. Once Jordan was the new team owner, Whitfield was instrumental in rebranding from Bobcats to Hornets.
Whitfield has always maintained that Jordan seeks excellence from all his people. He lived up to those high standards. We’re waiting to see what’s next for MJ’s dear friend.