4 Years Before $1.2 Million Worth Golf Scandal, Michael Jordan Was Compelled to ‘Step Away from Life’ for Noble Cause

There are a lot of things Michael Jordan excels at besides basketball. Two of them are golf and charity. And for years he’s combined both. For over three decades, MJ has supported the UNCF’s efforts in uplifting youth. The partnership continues through the Jordan brand and several programs. One of MJ’s earliest collaborations with the UNCF goes all the way back to 1989, which has resurfaced recently.

A short video circulating social media reminded the NBA legend’s fans that he has another favorite sport besides basketball. He turned to his other great love, golf, in 1989 to help a lot of college students pursue their education. This was well before the multi-sport enthusiast got dragged into a golf-related controversy.

Michael Jordan launched a golf tournament for charity

Even before he won his first NBA title in 1991, Michael Jordan’s stardom was palpable. He balanced the fame and intensity of the NBA life with his side-passion, golf. It was not uncommon for Jordan to enjoy swinging a few shots on the greens when not playing basketball. He also made some famous connections through it. These endeavors made golf the perfect means of helping the generation’s youth.

A video has resurfaced about Jordan using his love for golf for a good cause. This video dates to 1989, during his early partnership with the UNCF, a non-profit organization that raises funds and provides scholarships to promising black students enrolled in HBCUs.

In 1989, the NBA star kick-started an annual event, the Michael UNCF Celebrity Golf Classic. Jordan was aware people would’ve expected a basketball game out of him. At the announcement of this event, Jordan explained why he chose to have a golf event instead.

A video has resurfaced about Jordan using his love for golf for a good cause. This video dates to 1989, during his early partnership with the UNCF, a non-profit organization that raises funds and provides scholarships to promising black students enrolled in HBCUs. In 1989, the NBA star kick-started an annual event, the Michael UNCF Celebrity Golf Classic. Jordan was aware people would’ve expected a basketball game out of him. At the announcement of this event, Jordan explained why he chose to have a golf event instead.

“We could’ve easily done basketball. But basketball is my life, and I wanted to get away from it for a little bit,” He said in 1989. “By doing this golf tournament, I felt [we] would get a lot of celebrity people involved on a very national base, on a national scale, hopefully to raise a lot more money for the kids.”

He brought 50 of his celebrity friends across sports and entertainment together for this event. Among them was NBA legend, Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving, the late NFL pro, Walter Payton, and L.A. Law star, Blair Underwood.

Jordan clarified a past golf controversy

Jordan formed several friendships playing golf with celebrities and did more charity through it. But a few years ago, it caused him a little trouble with an ex-friend.

A former friend of the Chicago Bulls star claimed the pro-baller was a gambling addict. This person went on to claim that Jordan lost over $1.2 million in wagers on golf.

Jordan would go on the record in 1993 to debunk those allegations. Speaking of his friend’s betrayal, he said that the number is “exaggerated.” While he is known to indulge in whimsical bets, the billionaire declared he does it responsibly and remains financially sound.