Media Hypocrisy on LeBron James Leads Shannon Sharpe to Bring Up Ahmad Rashad-Michael Jordan’s Relationship

Shannon Sharpe argued that there is a clear double standard when it comes to LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

Media Hypocrisy on LeBron James Leads Shannon Sharpe to Bring Up Ahmad Rashad-Michael Jordan’s Relationship

Shannon Sharpe on LeBron James and Michael Jordan (Image credits - Firstsportz)

LeBron James and Michael Jordan are forever intertwined with each other when it comes to the GOAT debate. The two icons have transcended the sport like nobody else.

Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the number three pick in the 1984 NBA draft, and the rest was history. He played 13 seasons for the Bulls and turned them into a dynasty. He won six out of six NBA Finals and was named the Finals MVP in all of them. He globalized the sport of basketball beyond the United States and was known for his mentality and hyper-competitiveness.

Meanwhile, James had a very different style. Drafted as the number one pick straight out of high school, James entered the league with the hype and expectations never seen before. Not only did the 41-year-old meet those expectations, but he also surpassed them.

However, the media has always been divided when it comes to the GOAT debate. They have created various narratives over the years, and many have been accused of protecting Jordan’s image.

Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe called out the media for their hypocrisy towards James when it came to player-media relationships. He brought up the relationship between sportscaster Ahmad Rashad and Jordan during his argument.

Nobody has had a relationship with a player like Ahmad Rashad had with Michael Jordan. Not one person ever said he glazed. Not one person ever said he is on a payroll. Now, if you like a player, you are on the payroll.

Shannon Sharpe on Nightcap

Michael Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA. He has won numerous accolades during his career – six championships, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, one Defensive Player of the Year, and 10 scoring titles. Beyond the court, his name became a brand as “Air Jordan” changed the landscape of sports apparel forever.

While he usually stays away from the public eye, he revealed that he tries to help the younger generation of players whenever they approach him. However, there have been critics who have accused the media of protecting Jordan over the years and portraying him to be much bigger than he actually was by always being critical of James.

Meanwhile, James has been the face of the league for nearly two decades. He has had to endure through the social media era. Thus, the criticism surrounding him has always been much louder despite his sustained greatness over 23 years.

Shannon Sharpe did not hesitate to point out the double standards. If anyone praises James and ranks him over Jordan, they are often seen as his spokespeople, but it is not seen in the same way despite Jordan having a close relationship with Rashad.

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Colin Cowherd compares Michael Jordan and LeBron James

LeBron James will be heading into his 24th season in the NBA. No player in league history has played beyond 22 seasons. While he may not be the player he once was, James has continued to defy Father Time like never seen before.

Sports media personality Colin Cowherd compared the two icons and praised James for continuing to play despite all the scrutiny.

Michael Jordan played for 9 years and said, ‘I need a break it’s too much…this is overwhelming.’ LeBron’s like, ‘year 24, bring it on.’ Think about that.

Colin Cowherd on The Herd

The level of attention and scrutiny James has had to deal with is second to none. Jordan took a break after nine years in the NBA to play some baseball. He returned after nearly two years and announced his retirement after his second three-peat.

LeBron James is more influential than Michael Jordan

There is no doubt that Jordan was the pioneer in globalizing the NBA. However, the league was already global when James entered the league. Hence, there have always been more eyes on the 41-year-old ever since he stepped foot into the league as an 18-year-old.

Both players are very influential in their own ways, but James has brought relevancy to franchises. The Cleveland Cavaliers did not have much relevancy till they picked James in 2003. He turned the city into “Hollywood of the Midwest”.

Cowherd crowned the four-time champion as the most influential player ever.

When LeBron made a decision and two days later they announce the 76ers will play in the most tv games. That’s with the New York Knicks have just been crowned champs, and Wemby is going to be the face of the league. LeBron will have more games on tv than anyone else. Fanatics said LeBron sold the most jerseys ever recorded for a player joining a new team across all sports. Brands matters. LeBron James is the most influential player in NBA history. Jordan is just the best shoe salesman.

Colin Cowherd on The Herd

James’ impact has already been felt in Philly off the court. The ticket prices have surged since it was announced that he would be joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal. It remains to be seen if he will have the same impact on the court as well next season.

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