Michael Jordan tried to steal my date

[Bill Russell]

Man, he made a dick out of himself...

Check the link peeps: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/cove ... 0516f.html

[Matthew]

Lol, now boys and girls, MJ shows us how to get a girl .

Seriously, all he was doing was picking up a girl. I mean fuck, he's not aloud to talk to a woman and give her his phone number becuase he is viewed as a role model. lol.

And its not his fault he has more game than that other tool. hehe, MJ you player

[Bill Russell]

Well, I for myself wouldn't take my girl to a place MJ was in, if I lived near the US... I don't wanna get scored, neither my girl.

[Matthew]

Lol...I still find this bit especially funny

And he's remarkably thorough about it. At Cafe Milano, when I received the bill, I couldn't help noticing that the ravioli and champagne Christine had picked up at Jordan's table had been transferred to my tab

Heheheh, now after reading this how can anyone not respect MJ?

[Stevan]

Hmm can anyone say "SLUT"?

And to the reporter, dude if she's out of your (dare I say "price" ) range, why bother. You can't compete against professional athletes...
You can see through out the whole article that he was uncomfortable, jealous, and made kind of an insecure idiot of himself, all MJ had to do was look at her!! He probably pulled the whole phone number stunt just to piss him off for being such a baby.
Funny and sad at the same time.

[Nel]

poor guy

[Andrew]

Why does this sound suspiciously like an urban myth or an article in a tabloid newspaper?

True or false, good story.

[Stevan]

it does sound a bit fake doesn't it...

[air gordon]

of course it's not real. a columnist was taking shots at jordan...

but i wouldn't be surprised that he would be picking up women

[Andrew]

but i wouldn't be surprised that he would be picking up women

Of course, the idea of Michael Jordan picking up women during his marital problems is plausible. But the story is so sensationalised, it seems to "urban myth-ish" to be true - someone just trying to be noticed by making up a story about a famous athlete.

[paul_pierce_the_truth]

The guy writes for Military News or something, covering the war now I think. I doubt he made this up.

I think it's not unusual for Jordan or anyone else who is famous to use their fame to their benefit, do I think it's a bit shadey, yeah.

But imagine if Nicole Kidman or Jennifer Lopez met up with him before his date arrived, like he would just ignore the whole sitch just to please some Christine chick?? C'mon!!

The Jordan Rules baby, what a dickhead though, I agree, he has like a billion dollars and someone mentioned that he moved some shrimp off his table's bill, what a classless gesture.

[Andrew]

But to be fair, there's no proof that it actually happened, so it seems that Michael Jordan is being accused of something he may or may not have done. I admit, I'm not familiar with the writer, but the way it is written really seems like an urban myth ("I got into a car accident with Shaquille O'Neal - he hurled profanities at me, and threatened me to pay up for the damage") or a sensationalised, fictional story from a tabloid newspaper.

And for the sake of being pedantic, MJ isn't a billionaire, his net worth is an estimated $400 million last I heard. Not that that isn't richer than your average journalist, of course.

[Ugur]

mannn i can expect sth like that from MJ.
BUT these big boys around him not much like Jordan style it doesnt look as if it is true.NO WAY !!!

[Stevan]

would MJ be hanging out Tim Grover? Would he be out with his boys fuckin around in the middle of the season? I dunno...
If this was Charles Oakley or Charles Barkley or Jayson Williams people would be saying "ah he cracks me up, what a character"...

[TheBob]

Jordan doesn't tip anyone either and refuses to give homeless people any money.

[Andrew]

But that's something that's worth debating - do any of us "regular" folk tip people and give money to the homeless? Why should Michael Jordan give away millions of dollars left and right? Because it's the right thing to do?

Cynical as I may sound, I don't think most people would give away most of their fortune. Those who would are a rare breed.

On the subject of tipping, it doesn't seem to be as big a deal over here in Australia, so it's probably a difficult ideal for me to grasp - that you must tip people for their services. The idea of giving someone extra money for bringing you food in a restaurant, but then complaining about paying money to someone who saved your life through the practice of medicine, seems a little skewed to me.

[Stevan]

Jordan doesn't tip anyone either and refuses to give homeless people any money.

Damn right, staff in restaurants get paid to do their jobs, and you pay for your food or whatever, why give them money on top of that? Do you tip the girl at McDonald's after she brings your burger for you?
As for homeless people it depends on who asks for money. If a drunk looking guy asked: no chance. Most NBA players donate to charity.

[Rens]

I bet there are tons of stories like this about Shawn Kemp

[Stevan]

LOL yeah most starting with "Shawn made me pregnant"

[TheBob]

do any of us "regular" folk tip people and give money to the homeless?

Yes.

Why should Michael Jordan give away millions of dollars left and right? Because it's the right thing to do?

He doesn't have to give away millions but when you have that much money you should be tipping at least 15%. As for homeless people that's more debatable and yes it is the right thing to do if you're not a complete ass, he's got more money than he could possibly spend.

Cynical as I may sound, I don't think most people would give away most of their fortune.

Again, no one is saying he should give away his entire fortune. Rather, he should be tipping at the very least the same amount as everyone else (excluding Aussies apparently).

On the subject of tipping, it doesn't seem to be as big a deal over here in Australia, so it's probably a difficult ideal for me to grasp - that you must tip people for their services.

You dont HAVE to but most people, if they're not cheap or poor, do.

The idea of giving someone extra money for bringing you food in a restaurant, but then complaining about paying money to someone who saved your life through the practice of medicine, seems a little skewed to me.

I dont know what medical care has to do with tipping. No one brought up the fact that medical services are too expensive.

Damn right, staff in restaurants get paid to do their jobs, and you pay for your food or whatever, why give them money on top of that?

I dunno how it works in Australia, but here in Canada waiters and waitresses have a lower minimum wage because they are expected to get tips. So, if you don't tip them they are getting below the minimum wage
that everyone else gets.

Do you tip the girl at McDonald's after she brings your burger for you?

No because they're not waiters and waitresses. They get paid full minimum wage and dont need tips to compensate.

As for homeless people it depends on who asks for money. If a drunk looking guy asked: no chance.

Agreed.

Most NBA players donate to charity.

Alot of them probably do it because it's tax deductable.

[Wall St. Peon]

Jordan's philanderings have been proven; he's cheated on his wife a lot, that's why she wanted the divorce, among other things.

As for the story, he's required by law to say whether or not the story is true or false; if there's no disclaimer saying this is a satirical article, then it's true or the guy's risking his career.

How can you guys NOT see Jordan doing this? Most pro athletes pull stuff like that a lot, hell, COLLEGE athletes do that constantly (I know this for a fact, you learn not to bring girls to football or basketball parties, or if you do, don't plan on leaving with them), and they don't have intimidating posses and tons of resources.

As for the tipping, he should tip, especially at an expensive restaraunt. What Bob was saying is true, waiters and waitresses are paid below the rest of the help, usually about two dollars. The minimum wage in the US is like $5.65 and servers usually make about $3.50 or 4.00 and are expected to make up the rest of that money in tips; if that doesn't happen, then the restaraunt must make up the difference. Places like McDonald's don't have anything like that because those restaraunts are basically self-serve.

Anyway, I believe the story because it's a well-known fact that Jordan can turn the charm and smile off and turn into a total asshole, and then switch back easily. It never said this girl was famous or anything, just beautiful, and many girls like that seem drawn to athletes or other wealthy people. But yeah, that girl's a whore, too...kisses the guy she had the date with, then goes off to fuck Jordan....heh...

If you don't believe that story, you don't know the way professional athletics works...

[Andrew]

He doesn't have to give away millions but when you have that much money you should be tipping at least 15%. As for homeless people that's more debatable and yes it is the right thing to do if you're not a complete ass, he's got more money than he could possibly spend.

But does that mean Michael Jordan should be just walking down the street, spot a homeless person, and hand them a wad of cash? Would most people do that? Or would you walk quickly by with your hand over your wallet? I guess it depends on where you live.

Again, no one is saying he should give away his entire fortune. Rather, he should be tipping at the very least the same amount as everyone else (excluding Aussies apparently).

Well, there is tipping in Australia, but it's seen as far less customary. Which is why I ask, why is it absolutely necessary to overpay someone for their services? They are getting paid (albeit minimum wage), for a job they chose to take, why must we give them money?

You dont HAVE to but most people, if they're not cheap or poor, do.

And that's the thing - if you don't tip when you can afford to, you're "cheap". I simply don't see it necessary to give extra money to a person because they bring you your food, but it's seen as a chore to pay for that operation that has meant your continued existence.

I dont know what medical care has to do with tipping. No one brought up the fact that medical services are too expensive.

That was actually my quote, not Stevan's. As I said, it seems a strange principle. Giving a waiter or waitress additional cash because they bring us food is seen as a normal, "right" thing to do. But a lot of people complain about medical bills - bills that might relate to care and procedures that mean their continued existence.

We just seem to have double standards about giving away money, based on the recipient's income.

I dunno how it works in Australia, but here in Canada waiters and waitresses have a lower minimum wage because they are expected to get tips. So, if you don't tip them they are getting below the minimum wage
that everyone else gets.

I'm pretty sure there's a standard minimum wage for each profession in Australia, so if you're working at McDonalds or working in a restaurant, if you're on the minimum wage then it's the same. And if you're working in a restaurant, you're probably going to be getting more than someone at McDonalds, which pays the absolute minimum allowed by any business in Australia.

No because they're not waiters and waitresses. They get paid full minimum wage and dont need tips to compensate.

But again, that's suggesting that we're obligated to compensate people because their employer is mean with money.

I'm probably coming off as being very mean with money myself, or ignorant of my fellow human beings. I guess it is a cultural difference. Here, tipping is not a big thing. Perhaps that's partly due to the value of our dollar - everything is pretty expensive (new Playstation 2 games are usually $99.95, for example. A new PC will almost always set you back around $1500 at the very least).

Alot of them probably do it because it's tax deductable.

Now that's cynical. But you're right, a lot of them probably do enjoy that part of donating to charity. But isn't it possible some NBA players actually do care (David Robinson, for example)? And again, it's another case of these players doing the "right" thing because they have a lot of money. A lot of people (I'm not saying you) probably never give to charity, but criticise professional athletes when they don't give to charity. A clear double standard, formulated because the athletes "can afford it".

Jordan's philanderings have been proven; he's cheated on his wife a lot, that's why she wanted the divorce, among other things.

But that's another professional athlete double standard. If this was "Michael Jordan the manager of the local McDonalds", "Michael Jordan the guy living down the road you occasionally see", in other words "Michael Jordan, Mr Normal", most people probably would not care. They probably wouldn't make a big deal out of it. The people directly involved with "Michael Jordan, Mr Normal" might, but the average person who really only knows him because he lives in the same street? It wouldn't be as big a deal as it was made out to be.

As for the story, he's required by law to say whether or not the story is true or false; if there's no disclaimer saying this is a satirical article, then it's true or the guy's risking his career.

You know more about that than I do, so I'll definitely take your word for it. But just out of interest, how do the tabloids get away with making up stories like that? Somebody still writes those articles, and they are often taken out of context, or in some cases complete works of fiction. How do they avoid the wrath of the legal system?

How can you guys NOT see Jordan doing this? Most pro athletes pull stuff like that a lot, hell, COLLEGE athletes do that constantly (I know this for a fact, you learn not to bring girls to football or basketball parties, or if you do, don't plan on leaving with them), and they don't have intimidating posses and tons of resources.

I'll admit, it's possible, plausible, and could very well be true. But if it was Joe Anonymous, we wouldn't care.

[Wall St. Peon]

But does that mean Michael Jordan should be just walking down the street, spot a homeless person, and hand them a wad of cash? Would most people do that? Or would you walk quickly by with your hand over your wallet? I guess it depends on where you live.

I've given homeless people money before, and I'm a poor college student. It's usually not much, a couple bucks, but that's enough for them to buy a sandwich or something at a store. Considering Jordan and other rich people probably carry a couple hundred dollars on them, I doubt they'd miss a $10 bill if they ran into a homeless person. No one's saying he should give them tons of money, but he's being hypocritical by being this big charitable guy in public, when he doesn't have to personally deal with those unfortunate (or stupid, depending on the situation) enough to be homeless, and then turning away when he actually meets a homeless person.

Well, there is tipping in Australia, but it's seen as far less customary. Which is why I ask, why is it absolutely necessary to overpay someone for their services? They are getting paid (albeit minimum wage), for a job they chose to take, why must we give them money?

I think you're misunderstanding: waiters and waitress make LESS than minimum wage. The reason is that they can make far more than minimum wage on a night full of good tippers. However, there are many nights where they don't get tipped well. Think about it; you're a waiter in a nice place, making $4 an hour, and a family of four comes in and orders about $70 worth of food. You make $8 for the two hours they spend eating an conversing, while the cooks make $25 in that same amount of time. A normal tip is 15% of what they spend, so in this particular situation the tip should be ten dollars which would knock your wage for those two hours up to $18 - still below what the cooks are making. Now, throw in the fact that the people are rude, make a mess of the table, and treat you like crap when your service is basically perfect, and THEN they don't tip you, what do you say then? Do they deserve 'extra' money or not?

And that's the thing - if you don't tip when you can afford to, you're "cheap". I simply don't see it necessary to give extra money to a person because they bring you your food, but it's seen as a chore to pay for that operation that has meant your continued existence.

The thing is, waitresses don't expect tips from everyone. I only tip when the service is good or the waitress is hot (unless she's a total bitch). The thing is, if you're spending $8 for a meal, what's another $2 for good service? Also, they aren't just bringing you your food; they're getting you whatever you need, be it extra dressing for your salad, ketchup for your french fries, or refilling your drinks. They don't just take your order, go to the kitchen, bring the food out and the interaction is done, they come back and make sure the food's good and take care of complaints, make sure your drinks are never empty, make sure the tables are never cluttered...being a server is more difficult than you think.

But again, that's suggesting that we're obligated to compensate people because their employer is mean with money.

They aren't mean with money...it's just the way it's done for servers.

But that's another professional athlete double standard. If this was "Michael Jordan the manager of the local McDonalds", "Michael Jordan the guy living down the road you occasionally see", in other words "Michael Jordan, Mr Normal", most people probably would not care.

I'm sure the people who knew about it or knew them would care. If I hear about someone I know cheating on their wife, I think less of them. Generally anyone else who hears about the adultery has the same reaction. Why should it be different for someone in the public spotlight? It's not a double standard, it's just that more people hear about a famous person committing adultery simply because they're famous. Why is Michael Jordan the athlete above Michael Jordan the McDonald's manager? Why should we NOT care about that and care about the person we know by name in a local setting? It's not like we're badmouthing him completely, it's more like 'when he's talking to a woman, is he trying to get her in bed or is he just talking to her?' Do you get what I mean?

But just out of interest, how do the tabloids get away with making up stories like that? Somebody still writes those articles, and they are often taken out of context, or in some cases complete works of fiction. How do they avoid the wrath of the legal system?

Most of the stuff they write about no one cares about, but a lot of the tabloids are sued by famous people quite often. Actually, I think the tabloids in Europe are legitimate sources of news, but I'm not sure on that one. A lot of the news they report IS true, such as celebrity marriages or break ups and all that crap, but since it's not authorized news, it's not entirely accurate. It's a freedom of speech thing on that...they have pictures and whatever, they're just making assumptions as to what's going on. Tabloids DO get sued fairly often, though.

I'll admit, it's possible, plausible, and could very well be true. But if it was Joe Anonymous, we wouldn't care.

Like I said, if you knew the person from a distance - for instance, when the christmas light guy in Humboldt got arrested for pimping - you care, but no one outside of that knowledge group would. However, if you're in the spotlight, more people know about it and more people care. That's one of the problems with being famous...

[EGarrett]

I've given homeless people money before, and I'm a poor college student. It's usually not much, a couple bucks, but that's enough for them to buy a sandwich or something at a store. Considering Jordan and other rich people probably carry a couple hundred dollars on them, I doubt they'd miss a $10 bill if they ran into a homeless person.

If you live and work in a major city it's very different. For my own personal safety I have a rule that, no matter what someone on the street asks me for, I say no and walk away. Muggings commonly happen that way in New York.

If you happen to have $10,000 in jewelry on you quite visibly (as professional athletes usually do, which is a bad idea in itself)...it would be a very bad idea to go around taking out a roll of $100 bills. You WILL get robbed that way. Don't fault Michael for that.

[Andrew]

I've given homeless people money before, and I'm a poor college student. It's usually not much, a couple bucks, but that's enough for them to buy a sandwich or something at a store. Considering Jordan and other rich people probably carry a couple hundred dollars on them, I doubt they'd miss a $10 bill if they ran into a homeless person. No one's saying he should give them tons of money, but he's being hypocritical by being this big charitable guy in public, when he doesn't have to personally deal with those unfortunate (or stupid, depending on the situation) enough to be homeless, and then turning away when he actually meets a homeless person.

True, Michael Jordan isn't going to miss $10, or $20, or even $100. But just because he doesn't give away money freely, does that make him a terrible person? Consider the reasons he might not want to give his money away like this - the appearance of the person, the way they are acting, and of course, the unfair stereotypes - he's as human as the rest of us, so he's going to suffer from the same faults that we do: greed, falling victim to stereotypes, and a lack of trust in fellow humans.

I think you're misunderstanding: waiters and waitress make LESS than minimum wage.

That could be the difference. I believe in Australia, it's illegal to pay less than minimum wage - and it's pretty easy to report such behaviour.

Now, throw in the fact that the people are rude, make a mess of the table, and treat you like crap when your service is basically perfect, and THEN they don't tip you, what do you say then? Do they deserve 'extra' money or not?

Point taken. But remember, when you apply for a job, you should be familiar with the territory. If you don't like working with food, then it's best not to get into that industry. Of course, when we're looking for part time work, we may not have a great deal of choice.

But I think we've established there's differences in North America and Australia that make tipping more or less important, depending on where you are. Also, tipping isn't restricted to restaurants - what about tipping employees in hotels, and other businesses - is that necessary, too?

They don't just take your order, go to the kitchen, bring the food out and the interaction is done, they come back and make sure the food's good and take care of complaints, make sure your drinks are never empty, make sure the tables are never cluttered...being a server is more difficult than you think.

I do understand, and having filled me in on some details I was unaware of, I see your point. But my point is that refusal to freely give away money does not make a person bad - whether they can afford it or not.

I'm sure the people who knew about it or knew them would care. If I hear about someone I know cheating on their wife, I think less of them. Generally anyone else who hears about the adultery has the same reaction. Why should it be different for someone in the public spotlight? It's not a double standard, it's just that more people hear about a famous person committing adultery simply because they're famous. Why is Michael Jordan the athlete above Michael Jordan the McDonald's manager? Why should we NOT care about that and care about the person we know by name in a local setting? It's not like we're badmouthing him completely, it's more like 'when he's talking to a woman, is he trying to get her in bed or is he just talking to her?' Do you get what I mean?

I do know what you mean. That's why I pointed out the double standard. If Michael Jordan the McDonalds Manager had a falling out with his wife, it wouldn't make the papers, unless there was some ugly scene. As I said, a lot of people probably wouldn't care as much, but if it's an athlete, then it's a big deal. Obviously, media exposure plays a role here.

Take Bill Clinton for example. His actions raised the question of whether he should be impeached. Now let's take Bill Clinton the McDonalds Manager (yes, there's a lot of people with famous names who work at McDonalds these days ). If he cheated on his wife, should he lose his job? To be unfaithful is wrong, but it's a mistake that a human being can make. Famous people are humans. World leaders are humans.

You are right of course. No matter who it is, if someone does something wrong, we look at them differently. But people do seem to expect celebrities to be superhuman, which is unfair.

Most of the stuff they write about no one cares about, but a lot of the tabloids are sued by famous people quite often. Actually, I think the tabloids in Europe are legitimate sources of news, but I'm not sure on that one. A lot of the news they report IS true, such as celebrity marriages or break ups and all that crap, but since it's not authorized news, it's not entirely accurate. It's a freedom of speech thing on that...they have pictures and whatever, they're just making assumptions as to what's going on. Tabloids DO get sued fairly often, though.

Fair enough. I remember reading in Drew Carey's book about a story one tabloid printed about him, stating that he lost 17 pounds eating nothing but potatoes. As he said, the story didn't hurt him, but was complete fiction. Kind of like an alternative answer to a slow news day.

Like I said, if you knew the person from a distance - for instance, when the christmas light guy in Humboldt got arrested for pimping - you care, but no one outside of that knowledge group would. However, if you're in the spotlight, more people know about it and more people care. That's one of the problems with being famous...

Well, to say we wouldn't care is an exaggeration on my part. But it wouldn't be such a big deal if Joe Anonymous does something that is considered immoral, because we don't have high expectations of him. That's the point I was trying to make. And you're right, it's a problem with being famous. But should we use the Homer Simpson defence?

"I believe that famous people have a debt to
everyone. If celebrities didn't want people pawing through
their garbage and saying they're gay, they shouldn't have
tried to express themselves creatively."

Seems a little unfair, doesn't it?