Current:Home > InvestChicago Bulls fans boo late GM Jerry Krause during team's Ring of Honor celebration -AssetVision
Chicago Bulls fans boo late GM Jerry Krause during team's Ring of Honor celebration
View
Date:2025-04-17 05:22:58
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! (49223)
Related
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- How did a bunch of grave markers from Punchbowl end up at a house in Palolo?
- NHL award winners: Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon sweeps MVP awards
- Jury in NFL Sunday Ticket case rules league violated antitrust laws, awards nearly $4.8 billion in damages
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Connecticut governor to replant more than 180 trees, thousands of bushes cut down behind his house
- The Supreme Court weakens federal regulators, overturning decades-old Chevron decision
- Supreme Court blocks enforcement of EPA’s ‘good neighbor’ rule on downwind pollution
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- 2024 NBA draft live: Bronny James expected to go in second round. Which team will get him?
Ranking
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Are you traveling for July Fourth? Here's how to beat the travel rush.
- Supreme Court rejects Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan that shielded Sackler family
- Judge sentences man to life in prison for killing St. Louis police officer
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- How The Real Housewives of New York City's New Season 15 Housewife Is Making History
- As LGBTQ+ Pride’s crescendo approaches, tensions over war in Gaza expose rifts
- Killer Mike will likely avoid charges after Grammys arrest
Recommendation
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
Canadian wildfires released more carbon emissions than burning fossil fuels, study shows
Ever feel exhausted by swiping through dating apps? You might be experiencing burnout
2 killed, 5 injured in gang-related shooting in Southern California’s high desert, authorities say
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
2024 NHL draft: First-round order, time, TV channel, top prospects and more
Elon Musk and Neuralink exec Shivon Zilis welcomed third child this year: reports
Bookcase is recalled after child dies in tip-over incident