Current:Home > MarketsChicago Bulls fans boo late GM Jerry Krause during team's Ring of Honor celebration -Zenith Investment School
Chicago Bulls fans boo late GM Jerry Krause during team's Ring of Honor celebration
View
Date:2025-04-15 00:52:37
The Chicago Bulls celebrated their inaugural Ring of Honor class during Friday night's game against the Golden State Warriors. But one man who was honored drew the ire of the United Center crowd in an unfortunate scene: late general manager Jerry Krause.
Krause, who died in 2017 at the age of 77, was the longtime general manager of the Bulls, from 1985-2003. He built around Michael Jordan and turned the Bulls into six-time NBA champions. He collected two Executive of the Year awards (1988, 1996) along the way and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame shortly after his death. He also oversaw the dynasty's undoing, as documented (without his perspective) in "The Last Dance."
That fact, presumably, is what led to audible boos when he was honored during the halftime ceremony. His wife Thelma, who was representing him, appeared to be in tears over the poor reception.
"What we witnessed today, when Jerry Krause's name was called and the people that booed Jerry Krause and his widow, who was accepting this honor for him — it was the worst thing I've ever seen in my life," Bulls analyst Stacey King, a member of Chicago's first three title teams, said on the broadcast.
"I hurt for that lady. Brought her to tears. Whoever booed her in this arena should be ashamed of themselves," King continued. "That's not Chicago. That's New York. Philly. Chicago's not like that. We don't have a reputation of being that way. Whether you like Jerry Krause or not, that man brought six championships here. He didn't shoot a basket, nor did he get a rebound, but he put six titles up (in the rafters). There's a lot of teams don't even have one (championship).
"That was really classless. I was disappointed in the people that booed. It was a sad thing."
King is right. Though the breakup of the Bulls dynasty may have been premature and Krause failed to build a winner again before he left in 2003, citing health problems, by pretty much any measure, he's one of the great executives in league history. Only three other franchises have collected more rings than the Bulls' six: The Warriors (7), Lakers (17) and Celtics (17).
Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Artis Gilmore, Bob Love, Chet Walker, Jerry Sloan, Phil Jackson, Tex Winter, Dick Klein and Johnny "Red" Kerr rounded out the inaugural Ring of Honor class. The 1995-96 Bulls were also honored. That team, which went 72-10 and won the NBA title, was, of course, built by Krause.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a member of that 1995-96 team, said he did not hear the boos for Krause as he was back in the locker room with his team. But Kerr didn't hold back, calling the booing fans' actions "shameful."
"It's absolutely shameful," Kerr said. "I cannot believe ... I'm devastated for Thelma and for the Krause family. What can we possibly be thinking?
"...I'm so disappointed in the fans — and I want to be specific, because I know there were lots of fans I'm sure who did not boo. But those who booed, they should be ashamed."
veryGood! (33469)
Related
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- 2 off-duty police officers shot at Philadelphia International Airport
- Do I really need that? How American consumers are tightening purse strings amid inflation
- El Salvador is gradually filling its new mega prison with alleged gang members
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- China’s inflation data show economy in doldrums despite a slight improvement in trade
- New Zealand political candidates dance and hug on the final day of election campaign
- Get $160 Worth of Sunday Riley Brightening Skincare Products for Just $88
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- European Union launches probe as Musk's X claims it removed accounts, content amid Israel war
Ranking
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Ex-Indiana officer gets 1 year in federal prison for repeatedly punching handcuffed man
- Castellanos hits 2 homers, powers Phillies past Braves 3-1 and into NLCS for 2nd straight season
- As elections near, Congo says it will ease military rule in the conflict-riddled east
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Why do people get ink on Friday the 13th? How the day became lucky for the tattoo industry
- State Department announces plan to fly Americans out of Israel
- An Israeli team begins a tour against NBA teams, believing games provide hope during a war at home
Recommendation
Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
Mapping out the Israel-Hamas war
Coach Outlet Has Perfect Pieces to Make Your Eras Tour Movie Outfit Shine
Taylor Swift returns to Arrowhead Stadium to see Travis Kelce and the Chiefs face the Broncos
Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
Donald Trump returning to civil trial next week with fixer-turned-foe Michael Cohen set to testify
5 Things podcast: White nationalism is surging. How can it be stopped?
Pakistan says suspects behind this week’s killing of an anti-India militant have been arrested