Michael Jordan Was an Activist After All

Jordan wasn’t vocal about social justice like today’s N.B.A. stars, but his secret brand of activism is a key reason they have the spotlight now.

Michael Jordan has long been one of the most famous athletes in the world, but many have wondered why he wasn’t more vocal about social justice during his playing days.Credit...NBAE, via Getty ImagesOn the first road trip of his N.B.A. career, in the fall of 2001, Etan Thomas looked out the window of the Washington Wizards’ team bus and was stunned by the massing crowd around the hotel.

He asked Christian Laettner, the veteran forward: “Is this how the N.B.A. is?”

Laettner laughed. “No, young fella,” he said. “This isn’t for us. They’re here for M.J.”

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