‘The Last Dance’ still raging: booing at Jerry Krause tribute during Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor ceremony

On Friday 12 January 2023, the Chicago Bulls began to pay tribute to the best of their rich and successful history with what they have called their Ring of Honor. This distinction, which will take place every two years, acts like a Hall of Fame for each franchise, and the concept is similar to that used in the NFL. The Phoenix Suns also have something similar. In this first tribute, the main focus was on the members of the 1995/96 team, one of the rosters that achieved two of the three-peats with Michael Jordan. That year, they set a then-record in the regular season with a 72-10 record, in addition to winning the title. The event coincided with a visit from the Golden State Warriors, who surpassed that record with their 73-9 campaign in 2015/16. However, the evening of celebration was marred by a disappointing turn of events.

Krause’s widow upset as Bulls fans boo

The ceremony was lackluster from the start. Jordan and Pippen chose not to attend, maintaining the usual distance they have kept from the franchise that made them champions, and Rodman was a last-minute cancellation due to weather conditions preventing him from flying. Despite their absence, those honored included Toni Kukoc, Artis Gilmore, Johnny Kerr, Dick Klein, Bob Love, Jerry Sloan, Tex Winter, Chet Walker, and Steve Kerr, the current coach of the Warriors. Another key figure was Jerry Krause.

Krause was the architect behind those successful Bulls teams, serving as the sports executive of the franchise for 18 years, from 1985 to 2003, and a native of Chicago. But he is a controversial figure among fans, both for good and bad reasons.

The portrayal of him in the iconic documentary “The Last Dance,” aired during the coronavirus pandemic and produced by Jordan himself, cast Krause as the main reason the dynasty ended poorly. He refused to comply with certain contracts and dismantled the team, which led to public criticism from Jordan, who didn’t sufficiently acknowledge the efforts made to bring success to him and the team.

At Friday’s event, Thelma Krause represented Jerry, her late husband who passed away in 2017. When Jerry was announced as a member of the Ring of Honor, it was met with loud boos from some of the fans gathered at the United Center. The television broadcast focused on Thelma, who was visibly upset by the public’s reaction to hearing Jerry’s name. She was in tears, inconsolable, as was also evident on the video screens in the arena, which projected the scene. It’s worth noting that many in the crowd could be heard clapping.

Reaction to Krause boos in Chicago

In response to the embarrassing situation in Chicago, several authoritative figures spoke out. First, Michael Reinsdorf, President and CEO, on behalf of the franchise, reminded everyone that “he [Jerry Krause] is an important part of our history” and “his legacy deserves to be celebrated and respected.”

Stacey King, who had just left the Bulls in 1995 and now works as a television broadcaster and commentator, expressed his dismay: “It’s one of the worst things I’ve seen in my life. I hope those who booed feel ashamed. I am disappointed, it was classless.”

“Shameful” “Miserable people”

Daryl Morey, the president of the Philadelphia 76ers, also weighed in, noting that “only he [Jerry Krause] and Bob Myers are the GMs who have won two-thirds of their playoff games, he’s one of the best of all time.” Eddie Johnson, a Chicago-born NBA player for nearly two decades, commented, “It seemed like a joke. The people who yelled at him are miserable, sad people. He built the team and hired Phil [Jackson], idiots. They deserved a beating and to be sent home.”

Steve Kerr, initially unaware of the incident, was later asked about it. “Shameful. I am broken for Thelma and the Krause family,” he said. “What are we thinking? I can’t believe it. Whether you agree with him or not, with what he did, we were here to celebrate. Jerry did a great job putting that team together. Tonight was about remembering the happiness that team brought to the city, so those people who booed should be ashamed.”