MICHAEL Jordan was known for being extremely tough on his Chicago Bulls teammates.
But the NBA icon took this mentality to a whole new level when he made journeyman Jack Haley call his father to pay off a gambling debt.
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Jack Haley in action for the Chicago Bulls during his first stint with the NBA teamCredit: Getty
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Haley celebrates the 1996 NBA title with Michael JordanCredit: Getty
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Haley (right) holds the NBA trophyCredit: Getty
After a poker game during a lengthy flight from Chicago to Los Angeles, Haley found himself $17,000 in debt to Jordan.
When the game finished, Jordan reportedly said: “Debts are paid. Card game’s over. You owe me.”
But when Haley told Jordan that he did not have the cash at the time, he was told in no uncertain terms that he had to find the money.
And Jordan suggested he go to his father Jack Haley Sr., who was the 1959 U.S. Surfing champion and went on to found the popular Captain Jack’s restaurant in Sunset Beach, California.
“Well, then you get it. You call Daddy Warbucks now,” Jordan replied.
“I don’t want your money, but you lost, and Daddy has to come up with that money in cash.”
The story was recalled by former Bulls assistant Johnny Bach in There Is No Next, an oral history of Jordan’s career by journalist Sam Smith.
It was one of the most memorable moments in the career of Haley, a journeyman who won an NBA title alongside Jordan in 1996.
Haley was more into surfing than basketball growing up but he was recruited by UCLA, where he secured a starting role.
The 6-foot-10 power forward was selected in the fourth round of the 1987 NBA Draft by the Bulls.
Little was expected of Haley but he spent nine seasons in the NBA.
He had two spells with the Bulls and New Jersey Nets, and also played for the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.
Haley was known for having a close friendship with Dennis Rodman when the pair played together for the Bulls and Spurs.
After his career, he worked in broadcasting for the Lakers and even appeared in the Aerosmith music video Love in an Elevator.
Haley died at 51 from heart disease in 2015.
