Michael Jordan Hall of Fame Speech: Video

What a pompous ass.

To the editor of whoever wrote this.

Are you serious? Jordan was acting like a boastful prick……. as he is known to be. Just because he USED to be great at basketball doesn’t mean his speak was good. He threw everybody under the bus and acted selfish.

What do I think? I think this is some of the worst writing I have read in a long, long time.

- No need to add a comma between “speech” and “during”

- A “perfect fitting” what for a basketball legend?

As for the speech? A mean, bitter speech from an ego-maniac unable to let go of his past.

Why is everyone taking his words so critically. He was joking around and trying to enjoy his moment like he should. I think he has earned it. Everyone needs to stop hating on Jordan and stop being so upset because he always beat your team and just embrace the fact that you were able to watch the best play

I read several reviews before seeing this video that were critical of his speech. After watching it prepared to agree with those reviews, I came away thinking what’s the big deal? I think the reports of his pettiness and bitterness are way overblown. Was it the greatest or most inspiring speech in the world? No. But, it was nowhere near as bad as reported.
Just my 2 cents…

Michael Jordan is a basketball player not a public speaker. Give the guy a break. He accomplished things that no other person may ever accomplish.

Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame speech is still the biggest topic in basketball. And for the most part, the reviews were not positive. It really amazes me.

A great speech writer Jordan may not be. But his speech was heart felt and humorous. I think he did a great job delivering the speech he wanted to deliver. He was an awesome force in the NBA. Thus the name as he was dubbed ” Air Jordan” The man could fly like no other. Congratulations on your Hall of Fame induction Michael Jordan.

I’m still trying to figure out what was so bad about that speech. He thanked everyone, gave Scotty credit for the championships and said he didn’t win them alone, then went on to give a couple little anecdotes describing some things that fueled him to play his best.

Where’s the part that has everyone all riled up?

yall are crazy… he didnt say nothin bogus or rude… i can tell yall are some cry baby punks who feel like anything is rude… hi hater! he was being real… sayin what drove him… as will kobe and lebron! kobe hearing ur not better than jordan, ur not better than lebron… lebron hearing u cant shoot like kobe… ull never be jordan take off ur 23 (which the boy should do) they’ll be sayin the samething he was sayin… JORDAN ******!!!!

I heard the reports and was really wondering, could it really be that bad? Well after watching the video I would have to say not even close. I heard nothing but honesty and sincerity. A few jokes here and there but so what. I think Jordan did more than enough during his career to prove himself. As far as I am concerned when it comes to the game of basketball Michael Jordan was, is, and probably will always be the greatest bar none.

Well, I have never really followed the game of basketball but, however I have always heard the name Micheal Jordan, and I knew what he stood for. I have Never in all my years heard a player of any game be as appreciative, driven, and passionate of his talents as I did tonight! I heard No boost-fullness, No arrogance, and most of all Pomposity!! What I did hear tonight is a Man, who is overwhelmed with love to his LOYAL fans and to his family!!!!

Man stop hatin on the man. He is the best all ways will be the best. And if you didn’t like his speech you can lick the back side of my nuts.

I saw David Brooks (New York Times columnist) make a comment about how this was egomaniacal and self indulgent speech in his column today so thought I’d check it out.

Talk about misrepresenting. I thought it was a pretty normal speech. Considering what he’s done it was actually UNDERstated.

What’s up with bashing Jordan? Is he a democrat by chance? (this columnist.. David Brooks.. is a Republican and I’m noticing Republican’s attacking anyone and everyone nowadays).

Bizarre.

Michael and the Chicago Bulls did something for basketball that I haven’t seen since…….he and the Bulls gave it class! I hope all of the people hoping to be like Michael learn from this. Michael congrats and thank you for the memories.

I, too, looked at this speech to see what the big deal was. What could he have possibly said that created such a big stir. I watched the entire speech and it was not
there. I detest some of the outrageous things that pro athetes say and do. There is nothing in this speech that requires an apology. Michael Jordan may be a bit arrogant but that often goes with greatness. Not all great athletes are as humble as Lou Gehrig. In fact most are not. Leave the man alone and go attack an athlete that deserves it…. Like Serena Williams.

I thought I might watch this speech to see what all the hype was about. I didn’t find anything wrong with what he had to say. He made a few jokes and thanked some individuals for motivating him throughout his career. It appears that people these days are just looking for a reason to complain. Put that violin down and stop whining.

As I see it Michael did just say what he means, his humility has brought him to where he is and it is undeniable. He is a man who knows the value of goal setting and nontheless he is a humble victor. More Power Michael., i look forward on seeing you play on your 50′s

I’m also baffled by the negative way some people took this speech. David Brooks called it egomaniacal. Huh?

From the very opening he credited Pippin, then he went on to credit his family and say that everything he achieved started with them. He told some amusing anecdotes, a few jokes, and didn’t disparage anyone.

Even when he talked about how the comparisons to Magic Johnson or Larry Bird pushed him, he explicitly said that they may have been correct that he wasn’t as good, but he came at it from wanting to be the best (as any great professional athlete would).

So even though MJ always found a way to beat my team (Stockton & Malone) in the championships, I think this was an earnest, heartfelt speech from a great basketball player.

Nevermind, this is an EDITED VIDEO.

The actual MJ speech was over 20 minutes (twice as long as this one). And apparently he does let fly some past grudges.