14/04/2026
Michael Jordan Gave Steve Kerr a Black Eye in Practice. Got Thrown Out by Phil Jackson. Sat Alone in the Locker Room Feeling Small. Then Called Kerr to Apologize.
1995 preseason. Bulls practice.
Steve Kerr described how it started:
"Michael was just being incredibly physical. Things got a little out of control."
Phil Jackson stepped out briefly. Jordan escalated. Kerr started talking back. Then started fouling him. Then they traded elbows.
Jordan exploded.
Kerr described what it felt like:
"I was like the kid in Jurassic Park who got attacked by the velociraptor."
Jordan hit him in the eye. Jackson threw Jordan out of practice.
Jordan sat alone in the locker room and felt, by his own description, incredibly small.
Then he turned around. Went back to the facility. Got Kerr's phone number. Called him to apologize.
Kerr won three championships as Jordan's teammate. He described the punch as one of the best things that ever happened to him.
"I needed to stand up and go back at him. I think I earned some respect. We have a great relationship ever since."
The relationship that produced three titles together began with a black eye and a phone call.
Jordan chose the velociraptor.
Then he chose to call.
Both choices were real.