When available, a box of 25 Partagas Lusitania cigars sells for approximately $500. Because I can let my hair downwhat little hair I haveand be able to do the things I want to do. I think that conversation is pretty much over to most people now.Jordan: I beg to differ. Very polite, very talented. Shanken: From 93. During the interview, he was puffing on a Montecristo No. It really told me that this guy loves cigars. I think thats one of the major issues. Note: Jordan owns more than 90 percent of the team. There have, of course, been exceptions to the rule: a deep-access ESPN profile for his 50th birthday a few years back, along with his interviews for The Last Dance, the 10-part documentary that concludes this weekend. I can get through those.. Shanken: I think its a wonderful way to go public and share with people just what you were like.Jordan: If you love something, and your agenda is to win, its a certain price you have to pay. He even installed a walk-in humidor and special ventilation system in hisHighland Park estate. He recently joined with longtime friend and former Yankee great Derek Jeter, along with other investors, in a deal to acquire the Miami Marlins, and he will soon break ground on his own private golf club in Florida. I've had a cigar here and there, but I don't know much. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. For me it was the best thing to happen to me, because it allowed me to go back to the game [of basketball] with a stronger passion. Shanken: I know that you have, over the years, been very close with Tiger. One of those luxuries is cigars, and he only smokes the best. Jordan: If its perceived properly. Sports Illustrated Magazine 28. And sometimes I surprise myself because I find Ive got nothing to do today. I'm not an adversary. Shanken: You would be so unbelievably welcomed in Cuba by the Cuban people and the Cuban government. Shanken: Ive heard that you are creating a private golf course in Florida. I want to be able to go through a week not worrying about what I have to do on Wednesday, and what I have to do on Thursday. I talk to my father-in-law about that all the time. He said, "Let's do it. Youre going to have one or two teams that are going to be great, and another 28 teams that are going to be garbage. However, if it is good enough for arguably the greatest NBA player, then it should be good enough for you. GQ: So your first interview with Michael was in 2005. . Hehir said Jordan told him, I cant have the cigar today because my mom got mad at me because she saw me smoking a cigar. She is probably the only person he listens to when it comes to his daily habit. A lot of times you have the agents making decisions based upon what they want, and sometimes its not in the best interests of the players. He was in Chicago. By Sam Schube May 15,. With some added clarity, there are no bombshells, fresh scoops, or . I also brought you a rare box. . Thats what my father and my mother instilled in me. This particular cigar was very popular in the 90s. First of all, you're never gonna say, 'Who's the greatest of all time?' I have no problems with people seeing it, as long as they understand the passion, because its a strong passion and its very raw. That is who he is. He has stated many times that he smokes six cigars a day. [smiling]Jordan: Great. So I have a question. My agent and my people who have been working with me, have been pushing for me to do it. He owned car dealerships and he came to me and he said I have this opportunitywould you have an interest? Whether he's playing or spectating, rarely will you see Michael Jordan in a golf setting without a cigar in hand. Obviously, Michael loves cigars and knew of me and read the magazine and so forth. He began smoking one before every home game beginning in 1993. Upon reflection, what do you think is really the correct waythe right wayfor the NBA to handle this?Jordan: Ive been on both sides. I also grew up a NASCAR fan, a Richard Petty fan. And its not final, they have to go through the approval state of his ownership. Seeing good talent. I think that can be very helpful for the kids today. Check out Cigar Aficionado's newsletters, bringing you our latest ratings & reviews, cigar news and our guide to the good life. Shanken: I have another quote here from our last interview: My biggest dream is to visit Cuba and visit some of the cigar factories. Jordan lays out a few, withthe comparison to the conversation aroundhim and Bill Russell the most compelling. The Monte No. Shanken: Heres where Im going. 2's are the undisputed top of the heap when it comes to Cuban torpedo cigars. Shanken: Where is it?Jordan: Its about 20 minutes off of 95 [in Hobe Sound, Florida]. Shanken: What Im hearing you say is your first and greatest passion is basketball.Jordan: Yes. Shanken: But recently youve been expandingwhy?Jordan: Because of their success. Shanken: So its been through an editing process.Jordan: No, it has not gone through a true editing process. this was right before we found out that michael jordan went and got dennis rodman from vegas who was in bed with carmen electra. Director Jason Hehirexplained that in one episode, a cigar rests on the table next to MJ, untouched. Jordan: At Turnberry in Miami. Shanken: So you like a big cigar.Jordan: I like a big cigar, but I can smoke a smaller cigar, too. We spend time talking about it. What we have been able to do is understand what works with the consumer, and weve been able to grow that business. Shanken: So whats in the young mans head? When he plays golf, and he plays 36 holes a few days a week, he is smoking cigars. Now does that constitute him being the greatest or does that mean that he's any less than Jack I think is unfair. I do collect but I dont believe in collecting and not being able to enjoy. We found some land. I wish I could buy one of those old cars and ship it over here. And I think if you can regulate thatwhich is very toughto where that athletes going to be educated so that he can make sound decisions for himself and his family, thats the correct agenda. Shanken: What about the Michael Jordan steak house restaurants?Jordan: Same exact thing. Jordan: Have you ever been to Cuba? All they think about is he batted .202, and he struck out a certain number of times. These kids mismanage their money and they may end up broke. If I go right now, you still have restraints, politically as well as a lot of other things. I won six championships. If I hadn't had anything to eat, I wouldn't touch this. ]Jordan: Correct. If I had to pick a golf course that I could play every single day and have a chance of shooting a decent number in the best conditions, I would say Diamond Creek would be one. In 1993. Jordan: But I dont want them to stop, I want to see what they do. Tiger evolved the game to where it crossed a lot of different boundaries, where it was no longer just a white guys sport. Or theyre going to have a tough time surviving in the business environment. Shanken: You obviously listened to your father, because in the very beginning you spoke about being humble, not shouting about who you are and what youve done and just being within yourself. So when you try to equate who's the greatest of all time, it's an unfair parallel, it's an unfair choice For me, I think they're both great. It was a business decision, an opportunity for me to play professional basketball. - Michael Jordan, Cigar Aficionado PARTAGAS LUSITANIA Branded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas, Partagas is one of the oldest and most renowned of all Havana cigar brands. However, basketball is not the only thing Jordan loves. And I know he plays almost every day. I don't want to speak for him, but I think Michael enjoys the camaraderie that we have. Augusta, without a doubt. Jordan had his first cigar after he and his Chicago Bulls won their first NBA championship in 1991. To win you have to lose. It's also the operation behind Michael Jordan's favorite Cuban cigar. With a net worth of $1.6 billion, the business tycoon earns most of his money through a longstanding deal with Nike. When I went back to [basketball] I appreciated it even more. Is that the power of sharing a cigar with somebody? Usually we text. Pros and cons. In 1993. It's the most relaxing thing.. Joe Rivera is a senior content producer at The Sporting News and teaches Multimedia Sports Reporting at his alma mater, Rutgers University. So I like to have some interest, I like to have some input, I like to have some participation. Watch the complete, uncut video of Marvin R. Shanken's interview with NBA legend Michael Jordan. Cigar Aficionado is a lifestyle magazine that revolves around, that's right, cigars. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Click Here to Get a Free Trial Issue of Cigar Aficionado. Shanken: So what role, positive or negative, does an agent play in helping the young man make the best decisions? The legendary middle linebacker shares his go-to smoke. It is likely the price has gone up since then. One I hit a seven iron, and one I hit a five wood. Your Jordan shoe brand from Nike, I am told, does $3 billion a year. 2, Muhammad Ali was No. Thats where I got my feet wet in terms of ownership. [T]hese are so strong. [Ed. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. You're into the heat of the moment, and the competition, and who you're playing with, and the conversation. Former NBA starCharles Barkleytook a jab at Jordan, tellingAhmad Rashad that Jordan taught him to always have two sets of cigars. Druids Glen in Ireland. Jack and Tiger never played against each other. Absolutely great. Recent productions have seen the cigar sport a charming combination of coffee notes, sweet spices, and a tinge of orange peel. Shanken: I understand you also have a car dealership, Michael Jordan Nissan in Durham, North Carolina. Jordan has appeared on two of the magazines covers, in 2005 and 2017, each time sitting for a lengthy interview (and a number of cigars) with editor-in-chief and publisher Marvin Shanken. Michael Jordan is a cigar aficionado, no doubt about it, and if you want to smoke like the king, then there should be some Cubans in your humidor. Yeah. Shanken: Where? Michael Jordan swinging a bat in the Bulls locker room while smoking a cigar and dunking on his opponents is the most Michael Jordan thing ever#TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/jO1qNOcbCV. And Jordanhas enough zealots in his corner that he doesn't have to campaign for himself. He may even think it's fun! Shanken: [Reaches for a second box of cigars on the table.] No. Lets start with a new neighbor. But, you know, you don't inhale cigar smoke. Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest: Tickets Available. If you ask me, I can never give you an opinion about things like that. That's part of the relaxation. 1, Babe Ruth was No. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. Real talented. Shanken: When we did the first interview, you said that starting in 1993, before every home game you would smoke a Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona in your car while driving to Chicago Stadium. ]Jordan: I was hoping youd forget. Shanken: You have played at hundreds of different golf courseswhich are your favorites?Jordan: Its hard to say. All Rights Reserved. He won six rings during his time and became the poster boy for the NBA. But he likes a big cigar. You want to win the big prize. Hesdeveloped a daily habitof smoking and has no problem paying $500 a box for his favorite cigars. Now does that constitute him being the greatest? Theframing growshis legend without him having to make his own case. Dont be afraid to fail. I like to experiment on different levels of cigars. And this time, I brought a crew and I videotaped the whole thing. Those interviewsas well as the videos that accompanied the second storyare essential Jordan literature. As he noted, the conversation is a public relations game. The star players are not rushing to small markets, so I put more emphasis on draft than I used to, because youre not going to be able to get the LeBrons of the world to come to Charlotte. For someone that small to generate that much power? I own 4 humidors, that I try to keep stocked at all times. And these are not little cigars! Its dots being connected. Leave it to moms to be protective of the lung health of their children. The kids were getting younger and younger in drafts, and you didnt have the same talent. Obviously with the embargo its a little difficult.Jordan: Yes. Its not where Im dependent on how the season ends, to determine if I have a draft pick in the first 12 or 13 picks. I was in college for three years. The award-winning stogie is frequently out of stock due to its high demand among the elite. I wanted that feeling of success and relaxation. In the interview, Michael Jordan mentioned that he would always smoke one in his car while driving to the Chicago Stadium. If a kid wants to go and work and play professional sports and earn a living, he should be allowed to. Michael Jordan captivated audiences like no other person could do in the basketball games history as far back as anyone can remember. Who did you want to be?Jordan: I wasnt really into professional sports, because where I grew up [in Wilmington, North Carolina] you only had two television stations, NBC and ABC, and we couldnt even get NBA games. One of the biggest reasons I bought the team is that initially I thought the team was under-operated because they were not connected to the community. 7. He explained that even though it is a large cigar, he isnt opposed to something smaller, and he likes to utilize a variety. Some people may view some of my decisions to be not the right ones. successful franchise. The Partagas Lusitania is not some rare brand of cigar. It takes a lot of forward thinking. He has stated many times that he smokes, Differences Between Straight, Punch and V-Cuts, What Cigars Does Arnold Schwarzenegger Smoke. Twelve years later, the six-time NBA champion sat down once again with the publication for a rare interview in which they discussed everything from the PGA Tour's young stars to the amount of cigars he smokes per day. And then there is Cigar Aficionado. On Oct. 14, Cigar Aficionado released a one-hour, uncut interview with Michael Jordan, which was conducted for the publication's 25-year anniversary.. It's like a Boeing 747. Where are they going to get that education? There's no fans, there's no camerasit's a relatively private moment. Do you have a shot? He had an interview with a cigar magazine editor at cigar aficionado, where he revealed his love for tobacco. Hes got a lot of attributes and a lot of it comes from just his hard work. I play with him occasionally in Florida, and he's a very laid-back, fun guy to be with and to play with. Obviously Jack won more during the time he played. The cigar and drink disappeared after that. What about Washington? The Uncut Interview With Michael Jordan Cigar Aficionado 107K subscribers Subscribe 63K 3.4M views 2 years ago Watch the complete, uncut video of Marvin R. Shanken's interview with NBA legend. We won the championship, and Jerry Reinsdorf {owner of the Bulls] gave me one of his cigars. Youre starting to see a little bit of it now, where the stars are starting to gang up and go on one team. You can argue all you want about who is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in basketball. Can you tell me what youre doing?Jordan: Once I got involved in golf, I always wanted to own my own golf course. He , Marvin R. Shankenhas interviewed a host of fascinating people from all walks of life throughout the , Joe Gurrera, the owner of the popular gourmet market chain Citarella, still finds time to smoke a , Legend Michael Jordan Sits Down For A Second Interview With Marvin R. Shanken. Ive gone through so many good things, theres been very few bad things, but bad things make you better. Shanken: And whats your handicap these days?Jordan: Four. Shanken: Was there something about being in the restaurant business that interested you personally?Jordan: I love food. Jordan loves Cuban cigars more than any other type out there. It was very cool. But Jordan's cigar habits go deeper than just one at a time, as images and video of Jordan smokingcigars are rampant throughout ESPN's "The Last Dance.". Which would allow him to relax and be ready for the game. My first couple of years I was the general manager, and the next couple of years I went down and I played, because I still felt I could impact the game from a players standpoint. "He's in a transitional period. I left school at the age of 20, 21, in my junior season. I love Medinah, because of the historic aspect and being in Chicago. In your life, what is your greatest regret?Jordan: I really dont have regrets. So as more players started to forgo college and go to the NBA, the talent pool eroded as well as the education of basketball. Marvin Shanken: You can put that cigar down. Hes about my age, very creative mind, great conversations, great vision, and weve had countless dialogues about building a fun, links-type golf course similar to Erin Hills. pic.twitter.com/PzwJtAIBgN, MORE: The Air Jordan 1 and why the NBA didn't want it on the court. Yeah. All this is wonderful. Yeah, Jack has 18 majors and Tiger's got14. But Jordan has the money to spare on his favorite indulgence. Listen, I know it because I go through the same thing: When you play golf and you smoke a cigar, you don't even know you're smoking a cigar. In any case, sixthat's a pretty decent number of cigars for a day. I want to go for particular reasons, obviously. Its not just in basketball. Ive only had two. What does that mean? 2, and, on the morning of the interview, a Cohiba Siglo II. This cigar had a bad stint in the early 2000s, specifically in 2001 and 2002. So when you sit there and you say I was voted the most popular athlete, its ironic that Im the youngest of the three. This comes as a surprise because it requires leaves of specific sizes to make and arent around all year. Depends on the time, depends on the day, depends on what I'm doing. Shanken: In some ways you are now on almost identical paths, as owners with a team that needs to step up its game.Jordan: Yes, and the thing that I can provide for him is to lend advice and to give him some insights as to what we did in Charlotte and to reconnect and to turn things around to where its a more You now are the owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Michael Jordan at the 2006 Ryder Cup Michael Jordan had his first cigar after winning his first NBA championship back in 1991. Do you spend more time in one business than another? There aren't many people out there that are smoking more. Jordan, the third overall pick in 1984, disapproved of the trend when he spoke with Cigar Aficionado in 2005. Clearly, he likes Cubans, but not too strong. Other than that people can call on me and ask me for money maybe. I know he smokes on the golf course; I play with him. So he was at the Bear's Club [Ed. This is a pre-Castro Cuban. Jordan: I could. Jack and Tiger never played against each other, they never played in the same tournament, they never played with the same equipment, they never played the same length of golf course. I love gatherings. Great kid. Jordan: It was an opportunity presented to me early on, from a friend of mine in Wilmington, North Carolina. What changed between that time frame to now? I met him when he was 12 years old. Cigar Aficionado Online, M. Shanken Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. He was the same guy. So most of my focus stayed on the college game. Also the audiences who watch basketball are decliningI think it peaked when you were playing. Does that make Bill Russell better than me or make me better than him? Throughout his interviews on ESPNsThe Last Dance,Jordan can be seen with a cigar in his mouth. Shanken: Have you seen a lot of it?Jordan: Yeah, Ive seen it. Coming down to the 18th hole, I think we were down $400. Everybody says it was a failed opportunity for me to play baseball. Michael Jordan made less than $100 million as the NBA's greatest player of all time, but that hasn't stopped him from becoming a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion. I dont think I would have the patience for it. So you have to create a winning culture, and you have to connect that basketball team to the support system within the community. "I'm fascinated with my massive size, and some of these guys being so small, and they can blow it past me, which is somewhat frustrating, but it is what it is.". Bill Russell won 11. Coach Smith, my parents, taught me right from wrong, taught me to understand and listen and learn, and then I got with an agent who educated me. And the cigar just relaxes you. Yeah, and hes the GOAT in basketball too. The rest came from a healthily diversified portfolio of endorsements and business holdings. So dont think you can take advantage. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Apply Bed Bath and Beyond coupon and save 25% off your entire purchase, Target Circle: up to 50% off with Target promo code, Save 25% on your purchase of Spring Styles with Asos Coupon, Michael Kors promo code: sign up for KORSVIP + Get 10% off on First Order, 2023 Cond Nast. I also want to go because Im such a fan of cigars. Shanken: When you were playing for the Bulls, Im sure it was not on your mind to one day own a team. ", "That's one thing my parents taught me very well," Jordan said in the build-up to that line, "don't wear your reputation, don't wear your accolades, don't wear your personality on your sleeve. Its gone through a lot. Michael Jordan's disapproving mom put a stop to his cigar smoking in 'The Last Dance' interviews, The Air Jordan 1 and why the NBA didn't want it on the court. Deloris, Jordan's mother, has proven to be instrumental to the growth of Jordan as a person and player, as most mothers are. It became a ritual for every home game.. If you want to play a fivesome, you play a fivesome, if you want to drive close to the green, but not on the green, you can do that. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. "For someone that small to generate that much power, it's truly amazing," he said. First, you are attracted by its shape; you stay for its flavor, and you must always remember never, never to let the flame go out!". Shanken: Rickie [Fowler]?Jordan: Rickie is coming into his own. A lot of these kids believe in leadership from a physical sense. Hes a great putter. note: Jack Nicklauss private golf club in Jupiter, Florida], and I was playing at the Bear's Club one day. At the same time I was able to understand the love that these minor league baseball players have making $1,500 a month. Thats one thing my parents taught me very well. You sell wine in your restaurants. It is the equivalent of $20 per smoke. We feel your pain MJ. On ESPN's Jalen and Jacoby "The Last Dance" aftershow, docuseries director Jason Hehir revealed why Jordan had just one cigar during the interview process. And my cell phone rings. Those. DNA Inforeported that he received stark criticism from the American Cancer Society. So we chiseled it down to an amount that he agreed, but was more than I wanted to gamble. [He points at a second box of cigars on the table. It became a ritual for every home game. The basketball legend said, It became such a relaxing thing to do each and every day for a home game, I smoke a cigar. But I love the game of baseball. Im still going to be a very positive force within the community, with the kids of tomorrow, but Ive got my own kids. During the interview Jordan did for The Last Dance, a multi-part TV series on him and his basketball career, he had a Cohiba and a drink next to him. He doesnt hit it long. At home, are you a drinker or are you a collector?Jordan: Im a drinker. Michael will laugh if he hears it, but I'm gonna say he never would have made those shots, at home anyway, had it not been for the cigar that relaxed him before the game. I do all I can to get their competitive nature. The guys a billionaire and keeps getting paid for endorsements, reportedly to the tune of more than $100 million a year. "Michael!" Michael Jordan: Put it down? Shanken: Why do you do so few interviews, hardly any, and why have you agreed to give us a second one?Jordan: Part of the reason I kind of toned back is I want my life to be my life. In 1996, after the Bulls won the championship, a photograph circulated of Michael Jordan smoking a cigar in the locker room. Shanken: And I assume you have no trouble getting a table.Jordan: No. Shanken: Yes.Jordan: I never looked at it that way. He said, "I'm in New York. Notice any parallels there? Unwavering dedication, day in and day out. Cigar aficionado Jordan is not shy or modest about the number of cigars he smokes a day. Shanken: This is a very serious conversation, but what I really want to ask you now, is while youve been talking youve been smoking a pre-Castro Cuban cigar. They had potential, and it got lost. She urged Jordan to take Jordan's initial meeting with Nike in the 1980s, leading to a multi-billion dollar brand empire some years later. Jordan talks about his family, his favorite smokes (pre . We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. I can show you how much hard work it takes. The thing I remember the most about my fatherand I had him for 32 yearsI never look at it from a negative sense. What about these other cities? Theres nothing that goes out with my name on it that we dont oversee, we dont deal with. My restaurants allow me to do that. If I play from the backs I can have fun. And I can see who's calling. Theyre going to get an honest understanding for what winning is about. 3. When I was in the NBA early on, would I have said Id be a restaurant owner? It was as simple as that. But his love for the things goes even deeper than that, as the Editor-in-Chief of Cigar Aficionado magazine, Marvin Shanken, even said Jordan once told him he used to smoke a cigar before every single home game in . Plus, having somewhere to go where I can control the environment is intriguing for me. Jordan loves Cuban cigars more than any other type out there. He came over, and we spent three or four hours just sitting around talking and having a cigar. Youve got something else worthwhile? Six!? To a fellow cigar smoker, that is real bonding. Cigar aficionado Jordan is not shy or modest about the number of cigars he smokes a day. His personal fortune has been estimated at more than $1 billion. Very contemporary. The complete 58-minute interview has never been seenuntil now.