Scottie Pippen has recently caught a lot of media attention due to his various inflammatory comments ahead of the release of his memoir, “Unguarded”. In particular, Scottie Pippen has taken shots at former teammate Michael Jordan, hence the spotlight on his words.
For one, Scottie Pippen has claimed that he’s as great a player as Michael Jordan, and has also blasted Jordan for the way he and his teammates were portrayed in The Last Dance documentary.
Charles Barkley has recently claimed that Scottie Pippen’s goal is to “sell books” and that he isn’t worried about the relationships he has with others “down the line”. Barkley’s main issue with Pippen’s comments was the fact that Pippen is speaking his mind right when he has “a book coming out”.
Well Dan, even myself, when people talk about me, they get to bring up stupid stuff I did. So, whatever happens, happens. You don’t get to get mad about it. The stuff that Michael said in The Last Dance was true… but I don’t think it was Michael’s intention to roast Scottie. Like I say, I just think that it seems like, first of all, if you want to say these things, just say them. Don’t put them in a book!
That’s the only problem I have with a lot of these things. If he wants to come on The Dan Patrick Show and say some things, I got no problem with that if he wants to say his opinion. But when you bring all this stuff up, and you just happen to have a book coming out, that’s what I think is the problem everybody’s having now.
Scottie’s just trying to sell books. I don’t think he’s worried about relationships down the line, friendships down the line. I think he’s just trying to sell books!
There is little doubt that Scottie Pippen’s comments have drawn controversy among players and fans. Charles Barkley himself was the target of some of Scottie Pippen’s comments, as Pippen claimed that the 1998-99 Rockets superteam failed in part due to Barkley’s subpar dedication to winning.
There’s no problem with speaking one’s opinion, but others are welcome to criticize it if they disagree. That is what has been happening with Scottie Pippen and his statements on Michael Jordan in his book and otherwise. Perhaps he will tone down his comments in the future, but as of now, Pippen seems to be comfortable with stating what he believes.