Current:Home > NewsPredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center:Chicago Bulls fans boo late GM Jerry Krause during team's Ring of Honor celebration -WealthRise Academy
PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center:Chicago Bulls fans boo late GM Jerry Krause during team's Ring of Honor celebration
Poinbank View
Date:2025-04-09 22:12:26
The PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank CenterChicago 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! (7494)
Related
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- Kevin Harlan, Olivia Harlan Dekker make Super Bowl 58 a family affair with historic broadcast feat
- Lakers let trade deadline pass with no deal. Now LeBron James & Co. are left still average.
- Queen Camilla says King Charles III is doing 'extremely well under the circumstances'
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Toby Keith wrote all kinds of country songs. His legacy might be post-9/11 American anger
- Proof The Kardashians Season 5 Is Coming Sooner Than You Think
- Girlfriend of Illinois shooting suspect pleads not guilty to obstruction
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Meta announces changes for how AI images will display on Facebook, Instagram
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Mandalorian actress Gina Carano sues Disney over firing
- When do new 'Love is Blind' episodes premiere? Season 6 release date, cast, where to watch
- 76ers president Daryl Morey 'hopeful' Joel Embiid can return for possible postseason run
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- 2024 Lunar New Year: See photos of Asian communities celebrating around the world
- Super Bowl events best moments: Wu-Tang, Maluma and Vegas parties
- See Kylie Jenner Debut Short Bob Hair Transformation in Topless Selfie
Recommendation
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
How to defend against food poisoning at your Super Bowl party
How King Charles and Kate Middleton’s Health Challenges Are Already Changing the Royal Family
Helicopter crashes in Southern California’s Mojave Desert, six missing
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
A 'Love Story' turned 'Red': Fireball releases lipstick inspired by Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce
Olivia Culpo Shares Her Tailgate Must-Have, a Tumbler That’s Better Than Stanley Cup, and More Essentials
Harris slams ‘politically motivated’ report as Biden to name task force to protect classified docs