Michael Jordan fans in ‘shameful’ act towards widow

Fans of NBA legend Michael Jordan have caused outrage after a disgusting act towards a widow who was left in distress.

Michael Jordan and Thelma Krause.

Fans of NBA legend Michael Jordan have caused outrage after a disgusting act of booing former Chicago Bulls boss Jerry Krause’s wife.

The hall-of-fame general manager’s partner Thelma was booed by fans as the team held a special ceremony honouring the members of the iconic 1996 NBA Championship-winning team before the team’s game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

The team’s inaugural Ring of Honour reunion was stained by the ugly booing from some sections of the crowd — while Jordan and Scottie Pippen did not attend.

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The ugliest moment came when Thelma Krause was introduced to the crowd during the pre-game ceremony and was met with a chorus of boos. She appeared to be shaking in distress before other members of the team moved to console her.

Her husband Krause is widely remembered as a controversial figure in the team’s history — having been the key figure in assembling the Bulls roster that won six championships in the 1990s.

Thelma Krause, Wife of Jerry Krause was consoled by others. Photo by Jamie Sabau / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Thelma Krause, Wife of Jerry Krause looks distraught during the inaugural Ring of Honor ceremony. Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images.

However, it was ultimately Krause that pulled the trigger on the decision to blow the team up and to chase draft picks that would allow the ageing team to usher in a new era.

Krause was even portrayed as a “villain” in the smash hit docuseries ‘The Last Dance’ which surrounded the squad’s final championship winning season in 1998 — and Jordan’s rise to become the biggest star on the planet at the time.

As highlighted in the documentary, of the 17 players listed on the 1998/1999 Chicago Bulls roster, only six players remained heading into the shortened 1999 season.

It’s why some Bulls fans have never forgiven Krause — and the dynamic played out in disgusting fashion on Saturday when Krause was booed.

Krause died in 2017 as a result of several health issues.

NBA commentators could not believe the scene unfolded in such distasteful fashion.

This has to be one of the more embarrassing moments in Chicago sports. Jerry Krause, whatever you think of how the Bulls dynasty ended, built a six-time champion. Worthy of this honor ten fold. Disgraceful to boo while his distraught widow watches on pic.twitter.com/vwTa7QgOmp

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) January 13, 2024

Bulls legend and Warriors coach Steve Kerr was among those to scold those responsible.

“It’s shameful. It’s absolutely shameful. I cannot believe it,” he said after the game.

“I’m devastated for Thelma and for the Krause family. What can you possibly be thinking? I cannot believe that the fans… When you hear boos, it’s not all. So for the fans that booed, they know who they are. To me it’s absolutely shameful and I’m absolutely devastated by that.

“Whether people liked Jerry or not – or whether they disagreed with the decision to move on from or whatever it is. We’re here to celebrate that team and Jerry did an amazing job building that team.

Michael Jordan with wife Juanita Jordan during press conference where he announced his retirement 13 Jan 1999.

Michael Jordan and Thelma Krause.

“Tonight and last night was all about the joy and love that that team shared with the city. And I’m so disappointed in the fans and I want to be specific, because I’m sure there were a lot of fans who did not boo. And those who booed, they should be ashamed.”

Bulls legend and now commentator Stacey King condemned the actions of the crowd for booing the late Mr Krause.

“Chicago is a sports town and what we witnessed today when Jerry Krause’s name was called and the people that booed Jerry Krause and his widow, who was accepting this honour for him, it was the worst thing I have ever seen in my life,” King said.

“I hurt for that lady, it brought her to tears.

“Whoever booed her in this arena should be ashamed of themselves. That’s not Chicago. That’s New York, Philly. Chicago is not like that. We don’t have a reputation of being that way and whether you like Jerry Krause or not, that man brought six championships here.

“He didn’t shoot a basket nor did he get a rebound but he put six titles up in this arena. There’s a lot of teams that don’t even have one and that was really classless.

“I was really disappointed that booed him... I felt so bad for that lady, she’s a wonderful lady and it’s sad to see her breaking down in tears. I just wanted to go out there and hug her.”

He was twice named NBA Executive of the year in 1988 and 1996.

Originally published as Michael Jordan fans in ‘shameful’ act towards widow