HN user
I don't think Jordan's accomplishments have anything to do with his being an asshole, or his license to be an asshole. This isn't even about Jordan at all.
I just think everyone should be free to speak their mind with as much brutal honesty as they wish, without that being taken as license to dismiss everything they say and to wish harm upon them.
I don't think you should respect anyone because of their success. I never said anything about Jordan's success.
I do however think you should respect people for being truthful and open, which I did credit to him.
I see the complete opposite. Virtually everyone in his position is pressured and expected to project a likeable image and recite a wholesome rolemodel's script.
I thank God, my friends and family, and the perseverance of my teammates for what we've accomplished. I am blessed. Don't belive it? Too bad, the brand deal depends on it so stick to the script.
Jordan was and is different. I might not agree with him, but he stands for what he believes, he speaks up about how he feels, and I admire that far more than I admire someone who has no opinions or suppresses them for the sake of being liked.
It's sad that we live in a society where those who step out of line to say what they mean are told they're assholes who deserve their failures.