Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The greatest player of all time seems miserable. I think I'd rather be the second greatest of all time and live a great life because the time you're not playing is way longer than the time you're playing." — [Speaker 1]
"Jordan's whole method is, I'm going to get you. I'm going to make you a fighter, whether you want to be or not. Or I'm going to destroy you. And that's the cost." — [Speaker 1]
"My dad, anything that we wanted, he would always just go do. Anything we needed, go do. Doesn't matter whatever it was. And then when you did something that he did not approve of, that's where he closed off. And he just had to shake his head. Shaking his head, that's way, I'd rather you punch me in my face because I can heal from you punching me in my face. I can't heal from me disappointing you." — [Co-host 1]
The hosts engage in a comprehensive discussion centered around the documentary "The Last Dance," dissecting Michael Jordan's extraordinary competitive drive and its implications. They debate the authenticity of the "flu game" narrative and the motivations behind Jordan's relentless pursuit of victory, contrasting it with the career arcs and philosophies of modern athletes like LeBron James. A significant portion of the conversation explores the concept of sacrifice, with speakers arguing that Jordan's singular focus on basketball may have come at the cost of personal happiness and family life, leading to a debate on whether he sacrificed more or less than others.
The conversation then shifts to personal reflections on fatherhood, exploring different parenting styles and the impact of discipline versus a more supportive approach. The speakers share personal anecdotes and philosophical viewpoints on raising children, the role of a father, and the importance of not disappointing loved ones. This section highlights contrasting views on discipline and the fear of disappointing one's parents, drawing parallels to the competitive drive seen in athletes.
Finally, the hosts touch upon the genetic lottery of athletic talent and the immense pressure faced by children of famous athletes, using examples from the NBA and other sports. They conclude by reflecting on the enduring impact of Jordan's legacy and the profound cost of his singular pursuit of greatness, questioning whether the immense success was worth the perceived personal sacrifices.