When I think about Michael Jordan, I think about the fierce competitor with a killer instinct. The last thing that comes to mind is emotional, but the Charlotte Hornets’ owner showed a softer side while accepting the Charlotte Business Journal’s award for Business Person of the Year.
During his acceptance speech Jordan began crying as he spoke of his North Carolina roots and dedication to making the Hornets a winning franchise.
“I’ve been criticized in a lot of different areas from a business standpoint, but I take pride in the ideas and concepts and views that come out of this organization to build the type of basketball program… that the city of Charlotte can be proud of,” Jordan said as he began tearing up.
“For all of the people that think that I’m in this for the short term, you better pull your socks up and just hang around — because my promise to this organization and this community is to bring a winner,” Jordan said.
“Me personally I could ride off into the sunset and never worry about a thing,” Jordan said. “But my pride brought me back to North Carolina for whatever reason.”
“I left home. I came back home. And I plan on staying home,” Jordan said.
MJ’s daughter Jasmine, who attended the event with her father, tweeted congratulations last night.
Congrats Daddy! Proud of you! Business Person of the Year. Daddy of the Year Every Year! Love you! #CBJBOLGala pic.twitter.com/6P5wdYK9e9
— Jasmine M. Jordan (@MickiJae) January 21, 2015
Jordan’s commitment to the team and the Charlotte community has been unquestionable. He is very deserving of such an honor and it’s great to see that someone we revere so much as a basketball player, is not afraid to show us his human side.