CHICAGO – NBA fans at the United Center were criticized for booing late former Chicago Bulls general manager Jerry Krause during a Ring of Honor ceremony on Friday. The ceremony honored Krause, who served as the team’s GM from 1985-2003 and was instrumental in bringing six championships to the franchise. Krause’s wife, Thelma, accepted the honor on his behalf and became emotional as fans booed. NBC Sports Chicago analyst Stacey King and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr condemned the behavior, calling it “the worst thing” and “absolutely shameful,” respectively.
Krause was a controversial figure, particularly highlighted in the recent ESPN documentary series “The Last Dance,” which chronicled the Bulls’ dominance in the 1990s. Despite the controversy, he was included in the inaugural Ring of Honor class along with other Bulls legends such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman.
King expressed his disappointment, stating that the booing was disrespectful and not representative of Chicago fans. He emphasized Krause’s role in the team’s success, pointing out that he didn’t shoot a basket or grab a rebound, but he was responsible for building a championship team. Kerr, who played on one of those title-winning teams, echoed King’s sentiments, saying he was devastated for Thelma Krause and the entire Krause family.
The absence of Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman at the ceremony was also noted. The three Bulls legends did not attend the event, adding further intrigue to the ongoing feud between them and Krause.
The Bulls fell to a record of 18-22 after losing the game, with DeMar DeRozan leading the team with 39 points. Despite the disappointing performance on the court, the focus remained on the disrespectful behavior towards Jerry Krause and his family.
Jerry Krause passed away in 2017 at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of success and controversy. Former Bulls coach Phil Jackson described him as a man determined to create a winning team. The backlash from the fans’ booing was a stark reminder of the complexities of Krause’s role in the Bulls’ history.
In conclusion, the booing of Jerry Krause during the Ring of Honor ceremony at the United Center was widely condemned by analysts, coaches, and other figures in the basketball community. The disrespectful behavior overshadowed the celebration of Krause’s contributions to the team’s success. The incident served as a reminder of the delicate balance between honoring a controversial figure in sports history and the emotions surrounding his legacy.