Chicago Bulls' Ring of Honor Ceremony Marred By Fans Booing Late GM Jerry Krause, Bringing Widow To Tears
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Photo: Instagram/Jerry Krause |
During the Chicago Bulls' first Ring of Honor ceremony, an unexpected twist unfolded as fans booed the late General Manager Jerry Krause, causing visible distress and tears for his widow, Thelma.
The incident occurred on Friday night during the ceremony meant to honor 13 franchise legends and the 1995-96 championship team.
The three-day celebration, scheduled from Jan. 10-12, reached its peak during the Friday night inauguration when the Golden State Warriors, led by head coach Steve Kerr, were in town.
The three-day celebration, scheduled from Jan. 10-12, reached its peak during the Friday night inauguration when the Golden State Warriors, led by head coach Steve Kerr, were in town.
Each honoree was introduced during the halftime ceremony, but the negative reaction to Krause's name shocked many.
Bulls broadcaster Stacey King, drafted by Krause in 1989 and a three-time champion with the Bulls, immediately condemned the booing. "It was the worst thing I've ever seen in my life," King said. "Whoever booed her in this arena should be ashamed of themselves... that was really classless, and I was disappointed in the people that booed."
Even Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr, who won three titles with the Bulls, expressed his dismay. "It's absolutely shameful," Kerr said during his press conference. "I cannot believe that... the fans who booed, they know who they are. To me, it's absolutely shameful, and I'm devastated by that."
Former Bulls GM Jerry Krause was boo'd during the team's Ring of Honor ceremony at halftime.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 13, 2024
His wife Thelma, who appeared in his place, was captured on the big screen and visibly emotional during the booing.pic.twitter.com/7zLAtOTZvc
Jerry Krause, who passed away in 2017, played a pivotal role as the Bulls' general manager from 1985-2003, credited with building the iconic 1990s dynasty that won six NBA titles.
Despite his success, Krause's relationship with key figures like Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson was strained. Fans also criticized him for dismantling the team after the 1998 title.
The incident highlights the lingering animosity towards Krause, exacerbated by his portrayal in the 2020 documentary, "The Last Dance." (Source: CBS Sports)
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