The Chicago Bulls paid tribute to some of their most prominent figures during their inaugural Ring of Honor ceremony, but the night wasn’t shy of controversy.
For starters, neither Michael Jordan nor Scottie Pippen, the undisputed greatest two players in franchise history, were in attendance.
While they didn’t clarify why they weren’t going to show up, it’s not a secret that they don’t have any sort of relationship right now, and their personal issues may have stood in the way.
On top of that, fans booed the late Jerry Krause when he was about to be honored, which led to Steve Kerr calling it shameful.
ESPN anchor Mike Greenberg took to Twitter to echo that same sentiment, calling them classless and clueless, as Krause was the architect behind their success, putting together strong teams around Michael Jordan and hiring Phil Jackson as well.
“Anyone booing the memory of Jerry Krause is not only classless, but also clueless. He built those teams: Phil, Scottie, Horace, Rodman, and kept the bench stocked with valuable role players. So, if you boo his family you are not only a jerk, you also have no clue,” Greenberg posted.
Anyone booing the memory of Jerry Krause is not only classless, but also clueless.
He built those teams: Phil, Scottie, Horace, Rodman, and kept the bench stocked with valuable role players.
So, if you boo his family you are not only a jerk, you also have no clue. #Bulls pic.twitter.com/8Ixrfk65IZ
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) January 13, 2024
Even if there were reasons to boo Krause, which objectively shouldn’t be, booing his widow when he was supposed to be honored was not good.
Krause’s image took a massive hit following The Last Dance, as he was portrayed as the villain responsible for the end of the dynasty, and his relationship with Michael Jordan wasn’t exactly the best.
Granted, he didn’t make the best decisions at times, but all GMs make mistakes.
The Bulls became the most famous and renowned franchise in the league during his tenure in charge, and while it was mostly thanks to Jordan, he also deserved praise and respect.
NEXT: Steve Kerr Sounds Off On Bulls Fans