Michael Jordan’s name frequently surfaces in debates about favoritism in the NBA. One of the more notable claims came from Scottie Pippen. The former Chicago Bulls star suggested that NBA scorekeepers in 1988 may have inflated Jordan’s stats to help him win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Recently, another instance of Jordan’s perceived favoritism resurfaced, this time involving a heated exchange between Charles Barkley and the referees during a game between the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets.
In the video, former NBA star Barkley expressed frustration over what he saw as referees giving Jordan favorable treatment. During a play, Barkley believed the referees should have called a foul against Jordan. But they didn’t, which prompted Barkley to call them out on the court.
“This isn’t fair. That is a foul. I know he is Michael Jordan. Every time he raises his voice to you all, you all give him calls,” Barkley said.
FULL Audio Of Charles Barkley Talking Sh*t About Michael Jordan To The Refs👀:
Barkley: “That is a foul… I know he’s Michael Jordan”
Jordan: “Shut up”
Barkley: “Everytime he raise his voice at y’all… y’all give him calls” pic.twitter.com/RnjspPCtPI
— LegendZ (@legendz_nba) September 8, 2024
Jordan was always quick with a comeback. Hence, he didn’t let Barkley’s remarks slide.