Business Award Almost Moves MJ to Tears

January 22, 2015 @ admin → No Comments

Thursday thoughts (or something close to them): Michael Jordan was on the verge of tears. Understandably so. After all, it’s not every day that the Charlotte Business Journal honors you. In the former Chicago Bulls star’s case, it was Wednesday.

* Speaking of Jordan, he received the award as the publication’s Business Person of the Year. Interesting that such an award moved MJ so much emotionally. Then again, it provides a form of validation unlike the accolades for his on-court greatness.

Video below of model Charlotte McKinney for those who care (and even if you don’t).

* How did Jordan, who is majority owner of the Charlotte NBA franchise, win the award? Well, changing the team’s name back to Hornets certainly helped. And being Michael Jordan certainly presumably didn’t hurt.

* Jordan: “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.”

* More MJ: “For all of the people that think that I’m in this for the short term, you better pull your socks up and just hang around — because my promise to this organization and this community is to bring a winner.” In case Bulls fans were wondering whether he might ever become the Bulls’ owner one of these years.

* Speaking of Charlotte, model Charlotte McKinney is talked about in some circles (and presumably other geometrical shapes) as the next Kate Upton. And not as someone who dates Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander. Some folks view McKinney as the next hot model. Presumably with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine potential. You’ll get no argument here. There is video below to provide a persuasive argument in her favor. Around here we like to think of provide such video as a public service [note to self: Always double-check spelling of “public” to make sure the “l” doesn’t somehow mystically disappear]. And, yes, we still harbor hopes for the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service — or any other prize that will take notice of all the hard work that goes into putting together this page on a daily basis.

* Speaking of hard work, that would seem to be the task of new Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase. He comes to the Bears from the Denver Broncos, where he worked for newly named Bears coach John Fox. Gee, if the Bears are going to bring folks from Denver to improve the offense, any chance Peyton Manning is available? Yeah, didn’t think so.

* In case anyone was wondering (and even if no one was), an anagram for Adam Gase is “a sad game.” For whatever that’s worth. At the moment, not much. But if the Bears struggle, remember you read it here first.

* Speaking of Gase, he worked with Bears receiver Brandon Marshall when both were in Denver and Gase was receivers coach. For whatever that’s worth. At the moment, not much.

* Speaking of things that aren’t worth much, folks in the media — and elsewhere — who point to the statistical success the Broncos enjoyed on offense with Gase calling the shots, a reminder that such stats were made possible with Manning at quarterback. And last time anyone checked, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is no Peyton Manning. For those who might be confused, Cutler earns more money than Manning, while Manning does more on the field than Cutler.

Coming attraction: Playmate Kayslee Collins will be on “Sports & Torts” on Jan. 29.

* Speaking of the Bears, they said they won’t be raising ticket prices for the 2015 season. Patrons of the games at Soldier Field should be happy about that. Most fans would be happy if the Bears can raise hopes for a better won-lost record in 2015.

* Thursday’s edition of “Sports & Torts” at noon Central time on Talkzone.com with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris features former NFL coach Charley Winner. The proud Washington University (St. Louis) alum talks about his football life and being a German prisoner of war in World War II. And he has a story or two about his father-in-law, legendary Weeb Ewbank. At 90, Winner is as sharp as ever. If you’re a football fan (and even if you aren’t), it’s definitely worth tuning in to hear his stories for the entire hour. For those who are unable to listen/watch the show, it will be available later Thursday (and hopefully forever, if not longer) on podcast at Talkzone.com. And, yes, there will be a Playboy Playmate of the program — on Jan. 29, when we will feature Miss February Kayslee Collins.

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Here is where to go for a daily dose of non-gratuitous video (thanks to the enduring efforts of the editorial and video departments at ElliottHarris.com):