The legend of Michael Jordan being a fiery competitor wasn’t just a myth. We’ve always heard that Bulls practices were insanely intense. Jordan slapping Steve Kerr in the face during a practice is well documented, but that wasn’t Mike’s only run-in with a teammate. Apparently there was an incident that included a closed fist.
According to Horace Grant, who was a guest on New York’s Hot 97 radio station a few days ago, MJ beat up 7’0″ Will Perdue during a practice. Can you imagine if social was around 20-25 years ago?
“Our practices were so intense because Phil, the mastermind behind everything, would put MJ on the second team, me and Scottie would be on the first team, and being competitive like he was, man. Unreal, unreal. Of course punches got thrown, many fights. I’m just so happy that social media wasn’t (around) back then.”
“I hate to tell the story but Will and I are still good friends… Typical Phil (Jackson) we run this play and Will set an illegal pick on MJ, and MJ said,’Will, don’t do that again.’ ‘Whatcha talking about’ that’s Will. MJ says alright; Phil says run it again. So naturally we run it two more times, illegal pick. MJ walks up to Will — boom. Lit him up. It was over; we grabbed Will — you’re not going to hurt MJ. MJ can take care of himself. The next day on the plane, Will gets on with this huge shiner.”
H/T: No Coast Bias, transcribed via PBT
