Antoine Walker is known for being adventurous.
Although the 2006 NBA champion once couldn’t match Michael Jordan‘s risk-taking nature after the Chicago Bulls went all in over a game of cards.
3
Michael Jordan and Antoine Walker were friends during their time in the NBACredit: GETTY
Speaking on the All Things Covered podcast, Walker, who spent 16 years in the NBA, revealed a story about how competitive Jordan once at the table.
“When Mike calls, the buy-in goes up a little higher. It’s going to be a number that everybody has to bring to the table,” Walker said about the stakes needed to play with Jordan.
“I’d say $20,000 just to get in. If you don’t have $20,000 to get in, you can’t even play.
“Mike was competitive. I remember one time we played spades for 36 hours. We were playing against two other guys and Mike and I were partners. They had us behind $900,000.
“I was leaving for Boston in a couple of days so I had about $100,000 cash. I was always a cash person.
“MJ had about $200,000 on him, but he sent for $500,000. The other guys we played against had money too.”
Despite being on the ropes and down $900,000, the three-time NBA All-Star shared how Jordan refused to call it quits there, a decision that would not end well.
“They had us down $900,000 and we got back all the money except for $20,000. Mike did not want to see them win $20,000,” Walker added.
“They ended up winning $180,000 because he got too tired. He was falling asleep at the table.”
The six-time NBA champion was known for his eccentric gambling habits during his career.
3
The pair shared the court 14 times with Jordan winning 11 timesCredit: GETTY
3
Jordan and Walker (left) were also selected as All-Stars numerous times togetherCredit: GETTY
In 1992, when the Dream Team was preparing for the Olympics in Monaco, Jordan made headlines for his frequent visits to the Monte Carlo casino.
According to Jack McCallum’s book on the Dream Team, it was his own teammates who were his common opponents.
The likes of Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, and Scottie Pippen all took on Jordan.
Although Jordan’s most famous gambling headline came in 1993 during the Eastern Conference Finals.
On the eve of Game 2 of Chicago’s series against the New York Knicks, Air Jordan was spotted gambling in Atlantic City.
The Bulls went on to lose Game 2 with the all-time great receiving intense criticism for his actions the night before.
NBA’s Greatest
Jordan was known for making sure people paid up — even when it came to massive corporations.
On April 14, 1993, Don Calhoun thought he had won a million dollar, three-quarter-court contest shot that the team had been running every night.
But after Calhoun made the shot, the insurance company that was required to pay the fan his well-deserved cash voided the payment.
American Hole ‘N One Inc. had discovered that the punter — who at the time was working as an office supply salesman — had played college basketball and deemed him a violation of the competition rules.
The Bulls held a news conference, where the fan sat beside long-time chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and several contest sponsors.
Rare footage shows Michael Jordan make feelings clear on ring culture as LeBron James’ comments cause stir
“It is unclear at this time whether the company that insured the event will pay on the policy,” a joint statement read.
“However, regardless of its decision, (restaurant group) Lettuce Entertain You, Coca-Cola and the Chicago Bulls will honor the $1m award and ensure that this event has a happy ending.”
“Did you get your money?” Jordan, who was known to enjoy high-stakes bets of his own, asked when the pair met later.
Calhoun said yes, and MJ then told him something that nearly knocked him off his feet.
“We made them give it to you,” His Airness, who is also an avid golfer, said.
“We were upset that they were trying to not pay you.”