Chicago Bulls’ fans embarrassed themselves at the Ring of Honor ceremony
It was supposed to be a celebration.
On Friday night, the Chicago Bulls honored their all-time great players and executives by inducing them in their first team Ring of Honor.
The ceremony was flawed from the start. The three legends from their second three-peat championship teams were no-shows. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were never going to come. Dennis Rodman couldn't get there due to the inclement weather.
Then the program took an even worse turn. When the team’s former general manager Jerry Krause was introduced and his photo was shown on the overhead scoreboard, fans began to boo. It continued when his widow, Thelma, who was there to accept the honor on his behalf was shown to the crowd. It caused her to break into tears.
Jerry Krause has gotten a bad rap from Bulls fans. Jordan and Pippen intensely disliked him and constantly made fun of him publically. Then Jordan doubled down by trashing him in his self-serving documentary. Plus, he’s seen as the villain for breaking up the Bulls’ dynasty.
But, the Bulls would never have won six championships without his skill as a general manager. Sure, he inherited Jordan, but he put together the rest of the pieces of those championship squads.
Krause was the one who made all the trades. Charles Oakley for three-time championship center Bill Cartwright—a trade Jordan hated. Will Purdue for Dennis Rodman. A draft day trade with Seattle to acquire Pippen for Olden Polynice; one of the greatest trades in the sport’s history. I could go on about this, but his record with the Bulls speaks for itself.
If you don't like Jerry Krause, I get it. He did himself no favors. His demeanor brought a lot of it on himself. But to boo a man who has been dead for almost seven years and can't defend himself; and then continue when his widow is shown is gross, disgusting and despicable. Those who did should be ashamed.
By the way, the Bulls followed up by blowing a huge lead and losing the game to the Golden State Warriors. Karma!