Both David Robinson and Michael Jordan were recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Voddie Baucham contrasts their acceptance speeches: Robinson’s was marked by humility and gratitude, Jordan’s was marked by arrogance and self-centeredness. Robinson (a Christian) conveyed that his life was about much more than his basketball career, Jordan “needed this moment to snatch his throne back from the likes of Kobe Bryant if only for one night.” I couldn’t agree more. As a Chicago native and Bulls fan, it was quite sad to see a man so reduced by narcissistic indulgence. An excerpt:
David Robinson’s personal words to his three sons were about the most poignant, moving, inspiring words from a father I’ve heard in a long time. Here was a man receiving the highest honor in sports, and he turned it into a father/son moment that his boys will never forget. He spoke to each son, acknowledged their unique gifts, and his unique relationship with each of them.
M.J. also acknowledged his children, but the theme was the same… ‘It’s all about me.’ At one point, M.J., said to his kids, “You guys got a heavy burden… I wouldn’t want to be you guys if I had to.” (This was right before his absolutely classless remarks about the $1,000.00 ticket price for the event) While this may be a true sentiment (Jordan was referring to the unfair expectations on his children), the context was unfortunate. Instead of a loving father sympathizing with the plight of his children, M.J. came across as an arrogant superstar admiring the magnitude of his own shadow and using his kids as no more than a punch-line.
Baucham broke down his contrast into these points:
1. David Elevated Others… Mike Elevated Mike
2. David Honored His Family… Mike Honored Himself
3. David Was Brief… Mike Was Indulgent
4. David Honored God… Mike Honored Basketball
5. David sees His Legacy in His Family… Mike sees His Legacy in His Highlights
Read the whole thing.
Here is David Robinson’s fantastic, seven-minute speech:
HT: JT via Andy Naselli