Seconds after the halftime buzzer sounded Friday, the lights at the United Center dimmed and yellow ropes came out, separating fans from the court, which was no longer fit for a basketball game.
The stage and chairs set up awaited the Bulls’ inaugural Ring of Honor class, featuring the 1995-96 team, former coach Phil Jackson and a number of front-office executives and coaches. As the trail of honorees emerged from the tunnel, a soft cheer carried through the arena.
Chicago rapper Common was the voice of a tribute video that played before Neil Funk introduced the class.
Artis Gilmore was the first to be announced, followed by Johnny “Red” Kerr, who was represented by his son, Matt. The names that followed included the Bulls’ first general manager, Dick Klein, three-time All-Star Bob Love and “the Original Bull” Jerry Sloan.
Jerry Krause, the Bulls’ general manager during their run of six championships who died in 2017, was announced to a collection of boos by fans, bringing to tears his widow, Thelma, there to represent him.
The fans’ reaction to Krause didn’t sit well with Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, who released a statement after the game:
“Jerry Krause is a six-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Executive of the Year. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for his accomplishments and is an important part of our history. His legacy deserves to be celebrated and respected. We were incredibly honored to have Thelma with us this evening to recognize Jerry as a member of the inaugural Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor.”
On the NBC Sports Chicago broadcast, analyst Stacey King didn’t mince words.
“What we witnessed today when Jerry Krause’s name was called, and the people that booed Jerry Krause and his widow, who was accepting this honor for him, it was the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” King said. “I hurt for that lady. Brought her to tears. And whoever booed her in this arena should be ashamed of themselves.”
After a brief halftime discussion with his team, Warriors coach Steve Kerr joined his former teammates on the court for the celebration. Before the game, Kerr gave Jackson high praise for his ability to set a standard that resulted in two three-peat title runs. Jackson received the loudest recognition from fans.
“What Phil did year after year was set expectations, set a standard and then drove a culture of inclusivity, inspiration, of beauty,” Kerr said. “It was a feeling that you couldn’t wait to come to the gym every day because you knew you’re part of something special, and that was Phil’s genius.”
After the game, Kerr was equally angered by the fans’ reaction to Krause.
“I’m devastated for Thelma and for the Krause family,” he said. “I cannot believe that the fans — and you have to understand, when you hear boos, it’s not all of them. The fans who booed, they know who they are. To me, it’s absolutely shameful, and I’m devastated by that.
“Whether people liked Jerry or not, we’re here to celebrate that team. Jerry did an amazing job building that team. And I’m so disappointed in the fans — and I wanna be specific because there were lots of fans who I’m sure did not boo. But those who booed, they should be ashamed.”
After missing the gala Thursday night at the United Center, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman were once again absent from the halftime celebration. Rodman’s absence was a result of the weather, but Jordan and Pippen have been absent from the organization for years, and not as a result of canceled flights.
The show went on without them.
