When Michael Jordan’s dad warned him of consequences following his school suspensions: "You don’t look like you’re headed in the right direction”

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan is one of the most influential basketball players of all time, both on and off the court. Before he became a role model for the younger generation, he was shaped by his father's discipline early in his life.

In 2020, Netflix released a documentary series about Jordan's last season with the Bulls called "The Last Dance." In one episode, the six-time champion shared that his father, James, warned him to be careful about getting in trouble at school. To do this, his father threatened to not allow him to play sports as punishment.

MJ was suspended three times in ninth grade, which his father didn't appreciate. To get him out of trouble, James decided to imprint fear on his son by threatening him.

"I remember in the ninth grade I got suspended three times in one year and my father pulled me aside that summer and said, ‘Look, you don’t look like you’re headed in the right direction. … You wanna go about doing all this, you can forget sports," MJ said. "That’s all I needed to hear. I never got in trouble from that point on."

From an earlier age, the young MJ developed a love for sports, which his father used to get him focused. His dad's unusual way of getting him focused helped MJ become one of the greatest athletes of all time. To this day, even nonbasketball athletes look up to his dedication and extreme competitiveness.

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Michael Jordan once destroyed Rip Hamilton for requesting to be put in the Jordan Brand collection

F1 Grand Prix of Miami: Michael Jordan

Jordan Brand is one of the most iconic sneaker brands of all-time, with the signature Air Jordans leading the way. Even nonhoopers enjoy wearing MJ's sneakers to help with their fashion style.

A few NBA stars have been given the opportunity to be signed with Jordan Brand. Luka Doncic is a star who's had the chance to be with the famed sporting brand and have his signature shoe. But before that, MJ's iconic shoe line was the main money maker for the company for its design and prestige.

When he was in his twilight years with the Washington Wizards, he teamed up with a young Rip Hamilton. The famed sharpshooter started his career with the Wizards before winning the title with the Detroit Pistons. Hamilton said that Jordan once shut him down after requesting to be put in the Jordan Brand in his earlier years.

"At times, me and a couple of the young guys would come up to him and say, ‘Hey, Mike, what do you think about putting us in the brand Jordan collection?,’ and he’d look and me and say, ‘Hey, Rip! My sneakers are for All-Stars!'" Hamilton said.

It may not have worked with Hamilton in getting signed under MJ's company, but at least he has his ring to be proud of.