Bulls’ Michael Reinsdorf issues Jerry Krause statement after fans’ classless booing at…

Bulls owner Michael Reinsdorf strongly defended the late Jerry Krause in the face of fans’ disrespectful behavior during the Ring of Honor ceremony at the Chicago Bulls’ recent game against the Golden State Warriors. The ceremony, held during halftime to commemorate the 1995-96 squad’s historic 72-win season, saw Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf express regret over the absence of Jerry Krause, the executive responsible for assembling the six championship-winning Bulls teams in the 1990s.

However, when Krause’s name was mentioned, the crowd at the United Center responded with boos, an act widely criticized as disrespectful, particularly with Krause’s widow, Thelma, in attendance. Even Stacey King, a former member of the three-peat winning team and current Bulls analyst on NBC Sports Chicago, condemned the fans’ behavior.

In the aftermath of the incident, Michael Reinsdorf, the president and CEO of the Bulls, issued a statement vehemently defending Jerry Krause. Reinsdorf emphasized Krause’s impressive legacy, describing him as a “six-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Executive of the Year” who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Reinsdorf insisted that Krause’s contributions to the Bulls’ history deserve celebration and respect.

While the late executive played a crucial role in constructing two championship-winning teams, his reputation suffered, particularly due to the negative portrayal in the Last Dance documentary. Both Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen openly expressed their disdain for Krause, influencing public perception of his legacy.

Despite the strained relationships with key players, Krause’s significance extended beyond the championship era. He was responsible for initiating a rebuild, a decision made even before the iconic “Last Dance” season. Unfortunately, the rebuilding phase did not unfold as planned, and the Bulls endured six postseason-less seasons in the aftermath of Krause’s restructuring.

Despite any disagreements or challenges, Reinsdorf emphasized that booing a significant figure in the franchise’s history, especially someone who has passed away, is inappropriate. The statement underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring the positive contributions that Jerry Krause made to the Chicago Bulls, rather than focusing solely on the controversies that marred his legacy.