Michael Jordan Reveals The Truth About NBA Corruption After The Controversial 1997 “Flu Game” Between The Chicago Bulls And Utah Jazz
On June 11, 1997, Michael Jordan delivered one of the most iconic performances in NBA history, scoring 38 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, despite battling severe illness. Dubbed the “Flu Game,” this performance solidified Jordan’s legend as a relentless competitor who could overcome any obstacle to lead the Chicago Bulls to victory. However, recent revelations from Jordan himself have cast a shadow over that historic night, raising questions about potential corruption within the NBA and sparking renewed debate about the events surrounding the game.
The 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz were fiercely competitive, with both teams entering Game 5 tied at 2-2. The Bulls, led by Jordan and Scottie Pippen, were chasing their fifth championship, while the Jazz, powered by Karl Malone and John Stockton, sought their first. Game 5, played in Salt Lake City, became a pivotal moment in the series. Jordan, visibly weakened, staggered through 44 minutes of play, hitting a crucial three-pointer with 25 seconds left to secure a 90-88 win for Chicago. The image of Jordan collapsing into Pippen’s arms as they left the court remains etched in basketball lore.
For years, the narrative was that Jordan battled a severe case of the flu. However, in ESPN’s 2020 docuseries The Last Dance, Jordan and his former trainer, Tim Grover, revealed a different story: Jordan suffered from food poisoning, not the flu. According to Grover, the night before Game 5, a pizza was delivered to Jordan’s hotel room in Park City, Utah, by five suspicious individuals. Jordan was the only one who ate it, and by 2 a.m., he was curled up in the fetal position, sweating profusely and vomiting. Grover immediately suspected foul play, believing the pizza was deliberately tainted. Jordan echoed this sentiment, stating, “It really wasn’t the flu game. It was food poisoning.”
This revelation has fueled speculation about NBA corruption, particularly given the intense rivalry between the Bulls and Jazz and the passionate Utah fanbase. Some fans and analysts have long questioned whether Jazz supporters, or even individuals with ulterior motives, might have targeted Jordan to tilt the series in Utah’s favor. The unusual delivery of the pizza—by five people, far more than typical for a single order—adds weight to these suspicions. While no concrete evidence of tampering has emerged, the incident raises uncomfortable questions about player safety and the integrity of the league during one of its most high-profile moments.
Jordan’s comments have also reignited discussions about other controversial aspects of the 1997 and 1998 Finals between the Bulls and Jazz. For instance, officiating decisions in both series have been scrutinized, with Jazz fans pointing to questionable calls, such as in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals, where Jordan’s game-winning shot over Bryon Russell was preceded by what some argue was a push-off. Jazz guard John Stockton and forward Bryon Russell have publicly stated they believe Jordan pushed off, though no foul was called. These moments, combined with the food poisoning incident, have led some to wonder if external factors influenced the outcomes of these tightly contested series.
The NBA has never formally addressed the food poisoning allegations, and no investigation was launched at the time. Critics argue this lack of action reflects poorly on the league’s commitment to transparency. Supporters of the NBA, however, contend that such incidents, if true, were likely isolated acts by rogue individuals rather than evidence of systemic corruption. They point to the league’s growth in the 1990s, driven by stars like Jordan, as proof of its overall integrity.
Jordan’s willingness to speak out about the pizza incident decades later underscores his enduring influence on basketball and his commitment to setting the record straight. While he has not explicitly accused the NBA of orchestrating corruption, his remarks highlight vulnerabilities in the league’s operations during his era. The “Flu Game,” once a symbol of Jordan’s superhuman resolve, now carries an added layer of intrigue, prompting fans to question what else may have transpired behind the scenes.
As the 1997 Finals fade further into history, the truth about that fateful pizza may never be fully uncovered. Yet Jordan’s revelations ensure that the “Flu Game” remains not only a testament to his greatness but also a catalyst for examining the darker corners of the NBA’s past. Whether the incident was a malicious act or an unfortunate coincidence, it has forever altered the legacy of one of basketball’s most unforgettable nights.
