Michael Jordan, The NBA's First Billionaire, Once Bet $100,000 On A Game Of Rock, Paper, Scissors – 'I Enjoy Gambling'

Michael Jordan isn't just known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time; he's also the first billionaire in NBA history, thanks to his savvy business moves and lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Gatorade and McDonald's. With a net worth of over $4.7 billion, as reported by Fox Sports, he was the first professional athlete to join the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans.

But beyond his financial success and sports dominance, Jordan's competitive fire extends into every part of his life – notably, his love for gambling.

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Now, it's one thing to bet big on golf, but have you ever heard of someone putting six figures on the line over a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors? Yes, you read that right. According to Jay Williams, a former Chicago Bulls teammate, Jordan once wagered a jaw-dropping $100,000 on the outcome of a Rock, Paper, Scissors match.

Williams shared this story during an episode of The Brilliant Idiots podcast. Reflecting on the gambling culture surrounding Jordan, he said, "When you see other guys on planes gambling money, you start living that life." Jordan's betting habits were notorious and his teammates couldn't help but get drawn in. But as Williams humorously noted, playing against Jordan was a losing proposition. "Why are you f******g with Brand Jordan? He can't lose. Last year, he made $150 million, how are you messing with him?"

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What started as friendly wagers on cards or dice quickly escalated. Williams recalled how even the simplest of games – like Rock, Paper, Scissors – could turn into high-stakes affairs. "Rock, paper, scissors, you bet $20,000 all day long," Williams said. "Why wouldn't you? You get bored. And all of a sudden, you're down $100,000 and [Jordan's] like, ‘Yo, bet it back – rock, paper, scissors for $100,000.'"

Jordan's betting didn't stop at Rock, Paper, Scissors. According to a Sportbible article, stand-up comedian Cedric the Entertainer once shared a story about playing golf with Jordan on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Cedric quickly found himself outmatched by Jordan's wallet. "Mike likes to play golf and then he bets throughout the game and it gets pretty serious," Cedric explained. He added they were playing $10,000 a hole. Cedric said he could "haggle" Jordan down to $1,000 per hole. Reflecting on the bet, Cedric admitted, "I didn't realize it was 18 of those and I lost every one of them!"

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Despite the eye-popping sums of money at stake, Jordan never viewed his gambling as a problem. He famously shrugged off concerns, saying, "No, I enjoy it. It's a hobby. If I had a problem, I'd be starving. I'd be hocking this watch, my championship rings and selling my house … I do not have a problem. I enjoy gambling."

The billionaire doesn't hesitate to take risks regarding his investments either. Jordan acquired the Charlotte Hornets in 2010 at a heavily discounted price of $275 million, largely due to the franchise's financial struggles and on-court difficulties. The team was underperforming, facing significant challenges both in operations and profitability. By 2023, he sold his majority stake for $3 billion, securing him a $2.25 billion profit in just 13 years. 

Jordan's competitive drive is legendary and his willingness to put money on the line, whether it's a game of golf, Rock, Paper, Scissors or an investment is just another example of his all-or-nothing mentality. For him, it's not about the money but the thrill of the competition.

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