Michael Jordan 'Crushed' Common's Basketball Ego With A Simple Insult: 'Damn, Mike'
Michael Jordan didn't mince words when he told rapper Common that he was not good enough to play basketball.
In a recent episode of the "7 PM in Brooklyn" podcast, the rapper and actor shared a funny yet humbling encounter with the NBA legend. After participating in the 2010 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, Common attended a Jordan Brand party, feeling confident about his on-court performance.
However, instead of receiving praise for his play, including sinking crucial free throws to help his team secure the win, he received a blunt assessment from the GOAT himself.
"I saw him at this party that night, the Jordan Brand party and he was like, 'Man, stick to rapping and acting,'" Jennifer Hudson's boyfriend revealed.
"He crushed me, man. I thought he was about to give me some love. Yo, he was like, 'Man, stick to rapping and acting, man.' I said, 'Damn, Mike.'"
Common, however, understood the athlete who is considered to be the Greatest Basketball Player of All Time, saying that Jordan won't make you feel good about something you're actually not good at.
"I thought I was doing something 'cause I played in the Celebrity Game, and I got off in that game," he told podcast hosts former NBA player Carmelo Anthony and comedian The Kid Mero.
Common shared the same anecdote in an appearance on the "Late Night with Seth Myers" in January.
"That year, I did great. I really thought I was going to get the MVP," the "Fool's Paradise" actor told the titular host.
"[Jordan] said in my ear, 'Yeah, stick to rapping and acting.'"
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While Jordan made it clear he wasn't impressed with Common's basketball skills, the rapper-actor-producer continued to impress fans. In fact, he was named NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP in 2020.
Outside the hardcourt, Common is busy working on his music and film ventures. The 52-year-old will be producing a new thriller focusing on criminal justice reform, Black Enterprise reported.
"Grassland" will be set during Barack Obama's presidential run amid the 2008 recession. The film will have its premiere at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival on June 2.
