Michael Jordan

Thesis

• The success in the life and career of Michael Jordan has had an enormous effect on not only the sport of basketball, but America’s economy and society as a whole.

Michael Jordan’s influence on basketball

THE MAN THAT REINVENTED THE SPORT• Michael Jordan was named one of the 50 greatest players of

all time by the NBA.• His combination of skill in shooting, dunking, and defense

put him at a level that had never been seen before.• Jordan’s playing style influenced thousands of children to

become interested in basketball.• According to NBA.com the majority of professional

basketball players today say Michael Jordan was their biggest influence.

Michael Jordan’s Economic Influence

It is estimated that Michael Jordan’s total impact on the economy is over $10 billion.

Jordan as a Businessman

“We've put so much energy in trying to build the best product. In doing that, we try to also create a certain style that's different than anybody else and somehow we've always been able to connect to the consumer, to the athlete, to the little kids.”

Quotes from an interview with CNBC

Jordan is very reluctant to endorse products and companies. "Oh no, no. … I like control. I like control with my involvement."

"If I wanted to be greedy, I could make a lot more money. I'm not a greedy person. But I like to get paid for what I'm worth. I like to make what I deserve. But I never try to overdo it. If I really wanted to make a lot of money and spread myself thin, I could do it.

Influence on Society

•As a child Jordan’s parents instilled moral values in him. •Michael Jordan brought these morals through his entire life and career. •During and after his time in the NBA Michael Jordan started or supported many charities. •He is a large supporter of the public school system also.

Influence on SocietyMichael Jordan’s role as a hero for kids as well as his influence through

endorsements has made him a world wide figure.• Michael Jordan was a great role model for children by influencing

them to become great basketball players as well as good people.• Unlike many athletes today Michael Jordan has never been charged

with a DUI or arrested.• When Jordan was cut from his high school basketball he worked

even harder to succeed. This gives children hope that they can achieve whatever they want if they work hard enough.

James Jordan’s Murder

• James Jordan’s dead body was found in South Carolina in 1993.• He had been shot in the chest by 2 teenagers at a highway rest stop.• The media quickly related James Jordan’s murder to Michael’s reported

gambling problem.• No evidence was found that Michael’s gambling problem was related to

the murder.

•"The thing that I looked at when my — the death of my father, unfortunately, it happened at the hands of another human being. Which in essence, that is very difficult to deal with. Just the notion of being able to kill someone. But I had him for 32 years and he taught me a lot in 32 years.”•“Those reporters who engaged in baseless speculation and sensationalism should cause us all to pause and examine our conscience and our basic human values."

Quotes from an Interview with Michael about His Father

Works Cited• Menlo, Tyler W. "Michael Jordan." Michael Jordan. 14 May 2009

<http://sun.menloschool.org/~sportman/ethnic/individu al/jordan/index.html>.

• "Michael Jordan Biography." NBA Encyclopedia Playoff Edition. 2008. 28 Feb. 2008 <http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_bio.html>.

• "Michael Jordan 23." NBA. 2008. NBA Media Ventures. 29 Feb. 2008

<http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/bio.html>.• Porter, David L. Michael Jordan: A Biography. New York City:

Greenwood Press, 2007.

• Walters, Pat. "The Executive." Michael Jordan. 15 May 2009 <http://xroads.virginia.edu/~CLASS/AM483_97/projects/walters/mjexec.html>.