136: 078: Michael, who suffered a loss of face, solves the locker room problem (Requesting monthly votes!) 136: 078: Michael, who suffered a loss of face, solves the locker room problem (Requesting monthly votes!) After a long wait, the journalists finally saw Michael Jordan enter the press conference venue.
Originally, the Zen Master had hoped that Jordan wouldn’t attend the press conference today because it was obvious that Jordan would be infuriated by the questions from the journalists.
But Jordan told Phil Jackson, “I’m not a coward who only knows how to run away.”
So, Jordan still appeared.
There was no smile on his face, and he wore sunglasses to hide his gaze.
Nothing reveals emotions more easily than the eyes, and he didn’t want the journalists to detect any emotions from his own.
The press conference began, and Phil Jackson and Pippen beside Jordan became mere decorations, as with Jordan there, no one was going to ask them any questions.
Jordan had thought that at most, the journalists would ask questions like, “Why didn’t you shake hands with the Magic players after the game?”
However, the explosiveness of today’s press conference completely exceeded Jordan’s expectations.
The first question was a bombshell: “Michael, there are rumors that Roger’s trade was prompted by you, as one of the conditions for your return to the Bulls, is that true?”
Michael Jordan’s lips twitched, why was this matter being brought up?
Not many people knew about it, in fact, only he himself, Falk, Reinsdorf, and Krause were present at the negotiation that day.
First ruling out Falk, Jordan believed Falk would never betray him.
That man might be ruthless towards NBA owners, but he was very loyal to his own employer.
As for Reinsdorf, the behind-the-scenes boss, he simply wouldn’t fraternize with journalists, nor was it possible.
That left only Krause.
Michael Jordan detested Krause, ever since that penguin-like fatso decided to trade Charles Oakley, Jordan had never liked him.
But one thing Jordan could be sure of: Krause definitely wasn’t one to leak information.
He wished for the team’s locker room to be peaceful more than anyone else, and when the book “Jordan Rules” full of the Bulls’ locker room dirty laundry came out, Krause was the angriest in the team, next to Jordan.
Last season, when he learned from the Zen Master that assistant coach John Bach often said too much to the outside world, and it might have been him who leaked the information back then, Krause didn’t hesitate to fire Bach, showing his hatred for leakers.
(But later, the author of “Jordan Rules” confessed to the Bulls owner that his source didn’t include Bach, instead, it involved Phil Jackson, adding to the locker room drama.)
So, even if that fatso was a real jerk, he definitely wouldn’t leak team secrets.
If no one leaked the information, then there was only one possibility— the outside world had already started speculating about the unreasonable trade.
Just like how some media had been circulating the conspiracy theory that Jordan’s retirement last season was a “secret suspension” from Stern due to his alleged gambling scandal, the media always liked to promote such conspiracy theories without solid evidence.
Clearly, Roger’s performance had shattered the rationale for the trade.
People simply did not believe Krause traded Roger because of Roger’s relationship with Jordan; last season, Roger’s relationship with Pippen was also poor, and the Bulls still made it to the Finals, didn’t they?
This season, even if Roger’s relationship with Jordan was like that of strangers, with Roger’s ability, Krause would keep Roger to pair with Jordan, allowing the Bulls to win several more championships with ease.
The media couldn’t possibly believe that Krause traded Roger in order to find a power forward that fit better with Jordan.
Even though the Bulls got Webber, Anderson, and three additional first-round draft picks, the trade was a loss.
So, the journalists had to look for other reasons.
Given the incompatibility of Roger and Jordan, it was entirely possible that Jordan directly intervened in the trade.
Unfortunately, this time the media’s speculation was correct.
But of course, Jordan would never admit it.
The great god, Michael, who loved Chicago, how could he possibly threaten the team?
Jordan spread his hands: “How could that be possible?
I don’t have that much power.”
“Then do you think, did the Bulls win or lose on this trade?”
“If you’re asking me to grade the management’s actions, sorry, I will never do that.”
“Let’s talk about Roger then, how do you comment on his statement that he’ll make sure you never play in the finals again?”
“What?” Jordan hadn’t expected Roger to be so bold.
“He believes that by replacing him with you, not only will the Bulls not win the championship, but they won’t even make it to the finals again.
Michael, what do you think?”
What right does he have to say that?
How many championships does he have?
He doesn’t know anything!”
“But he obviously knows how to defeat the Bulls, Michael.
Tonight, the Magic won by double digits over the Bulls.”
“He’s only won one game, a single victory means nothing!
I’ll win it back, I’ll be back!” With that, Jordan angrily threw down the microphone and left the press conference.
He had underestimated the explosiveness of today’s press conference, just like he had underestimated Roger’s ability.
His sunglasses were in vain, because without looking into his eyes, the entire room could feel his furious emotion.
Now the whole world knew, he was truly hurt by Roger.
The next day, Mike Jordan finally demonstrated his influence as a seasoned star of the league.