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 Me, Michael Jordan and the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. A true story.
By Jeremiah Boswell
With the recent induction of Michael Jordan into the Hall of Fame, I had a flashback of a unique experience. It was February 2006 – a very exciting time for basketball fans. For me, it was exceptionally exciting because I was going to Houston for the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. As an NBA employee, it was a business trip, but of the fun variety. I was primarily responsible for making sure the players were able to get to their sponsor events. Translation: repeatedly communicating with car services.
After the players made their appearances, there were a series of gatherings, concerts and parties. On this particular night, Alonzo Mourning was having an 8-ball party. I took advantage of my NBA privileges and got a pass. As with many of these events, I quickly learned that having a pass doesn’t necessarily equal admittance.
When I arrived, there was a large crowd outside. Most people didn’t even have a pass. No problem, right? Wrong. I saw another NBA employee with a pass denied entry. To my left, NBA player Emeka Okafor was waiting in line. I felt some relief – I mean, he couldn’t get in either.
The hold up was a commotion in the back. From the parking lot, I noticed an entourage parting the crowd directly to the front. As the horde moved closer, I saw long-time NBA great Charles Oakley. A big name – yes, but was he really deserving of the hysteria surrounding him? And then I saw him – Michael Jordan.
What unbelievable presence. What a magnetic aura. Everybody froze. Some screamed. Others took pictures. Regardless, there was something different in the air. In that moment, I realized just how difficult it must be for MJ. There is no privacy, constant stares and unyielding autograph seekers.
As Jordan and his entourage moved forward, they picked up Okafor in their wake. I slowly watched as my opportunity to be a part of the event faded. Just as the last of the group walked in, I called out to Okafor.
I had met him at the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago. Just as he walked through the door, he waved me in. I was the last one to join the group, so he gave security a nod of approval. And just like that, I became a member of the group everybody wanted a piece of.
So I played along. I walked around some of the pool tables strutting my stuff. I said, “What’s up?” to Ludacris. I said hello to Queen Latifah. And I kept moving so that nobody caught on to the whole deal.
I had become a part of a completely different world. After a few minutes, I saw a smaller private room and meandered over. That’s where I caught back up with MJ, who was just starting a game of pool. As he turned his cap backward and took a huge puff from his cigar, I knew he meant business.
But just as my interest peaked, I ran into my boss, another former NBA player. He walked up to me in the smoke filled room shaking his head. I played it off with some swagger. That’s when he said, “You don’t need to be in here.” So I left.
And just as soon as my night of celebrity started, it ended. I spent the rest of the evening with the other “regular” guests. But I will always remember being one of MJ’s entourage – even if he doesn’t. OC
Former Columbia University basketball standout Jeremiah Boswell will be reporting on his travels from abroad, where he has played the game professionally with coaches and kids in countries such as Brazil, Bulgaria, China, France, Guadeloupe, Holland, India, Turkey, Mauritius and Nicaragua. |
