U.S. President Barack Obama awarded the Medal of Freedom award to 21 outstanding citizens for being a significant public and private figure that showcased civilian service and contribution to the community. The Medal of Freedomis the highest civilian award in the United States. Among the chosen outstanding people to receive the award were NBA legends Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, the President is well known for being a basketball fan. He is specifically fond of the 90's Chicago Bulls which was led by his "Airness," Michael Jordan. Obama praised Jordan for his achievements, work ethic, supreme talent and excellence in basketball that produced six NBA championships. Fans and fellow players consider Michael Jordan as the best player and the greatest of all time. Jordan is now an owner of an NBA team, the Charlotte Hornets.
President Obama stated that Jordan has become an icon of excellence because of his dedication to the sport and for being the best player of the best two teams that was ever assembled. Obama was referring to the 1992 U.S. men's basketball team that won the gold medal and the 90's Chicago Bulls team. The President even cracked a joke by saying Jordan is more than just a logo and an internet meme which made everyone burst into laughs. The internet meme was a picture of a crying Jordan that became very popular online, in a report by The Washington Post.
The other NBA legend who also received the highest civilian award was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The President commended Abdul-Jabbar for being more than just a basketball player; for standing up for his faith and being such a good role model to others. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of a kind and is one of the most dominant players that ever played in the NBA.
