Michael Jordan is not only the greatest basketball player of all time, he’s also a great example of how to be a great businessman and find success after leaving the league. Jordan has made some pretty bad decisions as an NBA owner but last season he turned things around. Charlotte went a shocking 43-39 and made the playoffs for just the second time since the Bobcats formed in 2004. He also oversaw a popular rebranding back to the Hornets. The Charlotte Business Journal noticed, naming Jordan its 2014 Business Person of the Year.
The Charlotte Hornets owner said during a nine-minute acceptance speech Tuesday night posted on Sports Business Daily website, that while he’s received many awards as a player, this one was different.
“I’ve been criticized in a lot of different areas from a business standpoint, but I take pride in the ideas and concepts and views that come out of this organization to build the type of basketball program… that the city of Charlotte can be proud of,” Jordan said as he began tearing up.
Jordan, with tears streaming, said, “Thank you for allowing me to cry in front of you.”
His wife, daughter, brothers and financial adviser, Curtis Polk, all attended the gala at the arena. Jordan spoke of his deep North Carolina roots several times during his remarks, noting he was born in Brooklyn but grew up in Wilmington. In college, Jordan led UNC Chapel Hill to a national championship as a freshman in 1982.
“I’m sort of emotional,” Jordan said. “I take great pride in something the city of Charlotte can feel proud of.”
Michael Jordan Cries While Accepting ‘Business Person of the Year’ Award:
