Michael Jordan felt betrayed by Scottie Pippen for not offering condolences for his father’s murder

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's relationship might be strained forever.

Michael Jordan felt betrayed by Scottie Pippen for not offering condolences for his father’s murder

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen

Michael Jordan‘s beef with Scottie Pippen has reached a state of no return. So far, it started with Pippen’s criticism of The Last Dance documentary. However, Stephen A. Smith revealed that Pippen’s non-reaction to the death of Jordan’s father became a primary reason. Jordan felt betrayed by the actions of his Bulls teammate.

Stephen A. Smith discussed the beef between the two Chicago Bulls greats on the PBD Podcast. Smith talked about the details surrounding the murder of Jordan’s father. Initially, Pippen did not offer any condolences. When Patrick Bet-David asked if Scottie Pippen betrayed his longtime teammate, Smith revealed what had happened.

Michael Jordan feels betrayed. Michael Jordan was under the impression that it just was busy, it was chaotic, and all of this other stuff, and that's why. But all these years later, when Scottie Pippen had alluded to his father being murdered, and how he didn't give his condolences on purpose. Michael Jordan's words were 'I hope it's worth it for him, I have nothing else to say.'
Stephen A Smith via PBD Podcast
YouTube video

Smith revealed that this conversation between himself and Jordan occurred on the day Pippen’s book came out. He also said Jordan’s words indicated the end of his relationship with Pippen. In July of 1993, Michael Jordan‘s father was murdered. At that time, he and Pippen had won their third title. It was the off-season. Hence, Jordan did not think about not receiving any condolences from Pippen. Years later, Pippen revealed he regretted not talking about the situation.

FS Video

After his father’s death, Jordan sat out the 1993/94 season and returned in the middle of the 1994/95 season. Then, Pippen and Jordan embarked on another three-peat journey. In all this time, Pippen did not talk about the death of Jordan’s father. This also deeply affected Jordan to the point where the duo no longer have a good relationship with each other.

Scottie Pippen’s autobiography further damaged his relationship with Michael Jordan

NBA fans who watched Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the 90s could not have envisioned their relationship being fractured beyond repair. After all, they combined for 6 NBA titles, and their names are etched in basketball history. Fast forward to today, a new-generation fan would never think the two were ever teammates.

Pippen’s views about his 5-time MVP teammate were laid bare in his book. Pippen expressed his anger at Jordan in the autobiography. He detailed receiving no payment for his involvement in The Last Dance documentary. Further, he mocked Jordan’s style of playing, labeling basketball as a “team game.”

In 2024, Pippen, along with teammates Horace Grant and Luc Longley embarked on a “No Bull” tour to reveal their experiences largely left out from The Last Dance. It has reached such a point that Pippen continues on a regular basis to attack Jordan and his legacy. Chances are less, but one has to wonder if the relationship between them ever reaches a reconciliation.

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