These five examples show that basketball legend Michael Jordan has a very competitive streak. That was then and now the 50-year-old seems to have calmed down. These are five examples where he won bets or has been accused of ruining other basketball playing careers.

Example 1:

At a 2011 American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, Jordan placed a $500 bet stating he could hit the green. The fan thought he could not. Jordan won the bet.

Example 2:

Jordan punched teammate Steve Kerr in the face for backchatting. Kerr said:

He punched me in the face…It was one of the best things that ever happened for me. I needed to stand up and go back at him. I think I earned some respect. But, we have a great relationship ever since…you gotta prove it and then once you prove it, you’re fine.

Example 3:

Jordan confidently told Shaquille O’Neal what his next play would be against his teammate. Jordan said:

I’m coming down. I’m going to dribble it between my legs twice. I’m going to pump fake and then I’m going to shoot a jumper. And then I’m going to look at you.

And that’s exactly what he did.

Example 4:

Jordan’s trash talk seems to be very effective. Retired American professional basketball player Muggsy Bogues claims that after harsh words from Jordan, his shot was ruined forever. Muggsy explained to Johnny Bach that those words from Jordan “ruined his career”.

Jordan said:

Shoot it you f—ing midget.

Example 5:

Another career ruined by Jordan. This time it was basketball player Rodney McCray. While practice shooting after a game in 1993 Jordan was top dog.

A source said:

MJ is in Rodney’s face, screaming, ‘You’re a loser! You’ve always been a loser!’ Rodney can hardly put up a jumper now.

Progress:

There is some light at the end of the tunnel though. Jordan let his fiance win a fight. Something he claims would not have happened a decade before. Jordan told ESPN’s Wright Thompson:

It’s amazing what women can talk you into doing. Make you change. 10 years ago, we’d have been arguing all f—ing day. I would’ve won. This time, this stage where I am, you win. That’s progress.

[Source: Business Insider, YouTube]