Michael Jordan can take criticism because he’s not blind, says Stephen A. Smith

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When you think of Michael Jordan, there’s probably a fundamental truth in that image. Whether you imagine MJ as an NBA player, businessman, or just a pop cultural presence, there’s a certain cruelty to the living legend. He’s the best, and if you walk up to him, he’ll metaphorically flex his muscles. Simply put, play with His Airness at your own risk.

Stephen A. Smith, however, has a different take on things. If we take ESPN’s talking head at its word, Jordan is fine with the critics, as long as you give him a warning before going public.

Stephen A. Smith shares key rule for criticizing Michael Jordan

During his time in the media, Stephen A. Smith has ruffled more than his share of feathers. That being said, however, he apparently knows the key to criticizing Michael Jordan without the former Chicago Bull taking it personally.

Michael Jordan is one of those things, Smith told Howard Stern (h/t Awful Announcing). It’s a misnomer about him. Because he’s a friend. He’s a brother. I love Michael Jordan, obviously. And I thank him; Anyone associated with basketball should thank Michael Jordan for what he has done for basketball. People pick on him because they think he can’t take criticism. It’s not true. Michael Jordan is going to insult me, or anyone else, faster than you can say your name if you blindside him.

So, armed with this knowledge, there is apparently a way to approach His Airness. If you give him a warning and your logic holds true, there’s nothing he can be upset about.

If you call Michael Jordan, that’s how I feel. Here’s why he has no problem with you, continued Stephen A.. Give him the opportunity to explain himself. And, if he has no explanation or couldn’t reach you, didn’t return your call, or whatever, he’s very important about it. That’s a complete misnomer about most of these guys.

This reality is another reminder that Michael Jordan is still a human being once you look past his talent Michael Jordan may be an NBA legend, but his legacy can be somewhat complicated. | Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

As I’ve written before, it can be difficult to judge Michael Jordan’s legacy. Stephen A. Smiths criticizing the living NBA legend only deepens these contradictions.

On the one hand, Jordan’s desire to be warned is understandable on a human level. Although we all have different tolerances for discomfort, no one likes being told they are doing something wrong. And, if you’re being criticized on national television, that feeling must be even worse.

On the other hand, Jordan is not an ordinary citizen. He is one of the most famous people in the history of modern sport, and even in retirement he has not left the public eye. MJ owns an NBA team and was the subject of his own documentary. When you operate in these spaces and have spent virtually your entire adult life as a celebrity, you have to know the game. Criticism, like it or not, comes with the territory.

It’s also worth noting that Jordan’s desire for a warning puts the metaphorical ball in his court. Let’s say Charles Barkley, who claims his friendship with His Airness ended after some public criticism, wants to challenge something the Charlotte Hornets did. If you were playing by MJ rules, Chuck can’t just make his point. He needs to think ahead and, to some degree, give Mike a veto over the TNT segment. This is frankly an unreasonable expectation. And, as someone who’s been in the top sport for over 40 years, Jordan should know more.

As with many other things, for example, the fact that he was both a jerk and someone his teammates were willing to fight alongside in that position is complicated. Jordan, for all his talent, is allowed to be human and feel stung by public criticism, but that doesn’t give him the right to hold others to his unrealistic demands. It’s in these situations where the perception that the six-time NBA champion can be mean-spirited, selfish, or selfish arises.

So, is there a perfect solution or a clear conclusion to draw here? Probably not. If nothing else, though, you know how Michael Jordan would love to be criticized, if you ever wanted to.

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