26 May 2009

Michael Jordan Demonstrates What's Wrong With Sports

In a show of hometown support, Michael Jordan tossed on a Chicago Blackhawks jersey for the NHL team's playoff game against the Detroit Red Wings . . . or did he? It seems that Jordan's hometown pride was altered by his life sponsor: Nike.

Jordan did show up at the game to bestow a royal wave on those in attendance and he did put on a Blackhawks sweater for the event, but would only do so after the Reebok logo was covered over by a red patch. Wait, hasn't he done this before? Well, who could forget that poignant moment when Jordon took the podium in the 1992 Olympics draped with an American flag -- not out of rabid patriotism, but rather because Reebok was the official sponsor and Jordon had to cover up their logo out of loyalty to his brand. Then there was 2007, when he used a white piece of tape to cover an Adidas logo.

Now, I'm sure Jordan's handlers are going to play the ol' "Nike won't let him wear any other gear" card, but are we still buying that crap? Even if it were true, wouldn't the fiasco at the '92 Olympics teach him that people care more about their team than his silly little swoosh? Apparently not when it comes to his airness. Brand above country. Sponsor above city. Nike ueber alles.

4 comments :

  1. Chuck said...

    To be honest I've always had a begrudging respect for Jordan (Piston's fan). This is kind of sleazy.

  2. WomanHonorThyself said...

    great find..distressing as all heck!

  3. Z said...

    Das geld uber alles, nein?

  4. Khaki Elephant said...

    Chuck, I've always respected Jordan's game but, Space Jam aside, the guy is all about Jordan. As WOT puts it, "distressing as all heck."

    Z, genau. Ich habe die Nase voll!