Lexus
by Black Enterprise

June 24, 2025

Lexus ES Shoots Its Shot At Black Luxury Lifestyle For 2026

2026 Lexus ES enters a new electrified era

Written by Kimatni Rawlins

The Lexus ES was one of two launch models available when Toyota’s luxury sub-brand entered the American market in 1989, alongside its full-size LS sibling. The midsize sedan has always been reliable, efficient, and sporty. Accordingly, the Japanese automaker reimagined the architectural design blueprint for the 8th generation iteration. 

Utilizing its sphere of influence, Lexus has made it a priority to integrate Black auto consumers with its marketing and media activities. For example, the company brilliantly partnered with Marvel Studios and its epic Black Panther film. I was on site at a few of the red carpet events that featured custom Lexus vehicles to match the theme of the script. Next up was the Lexus 0 to 60 campaign, which took celebrities like Omar Benson Miller racing to showcase the performance capabilities of Japanese machinery.

Then the NX hit the scene to provide comfort and styling in a smaller package. For awareness, the luxury brand dove deeper into urban lifestyles and culture. Subsequently, Lexus engaged the crossover with Black entertainers, athletes, social influencers, and thought leaders to express themselves in another light. Familiar names and faces such as musical theater performer Myles Frost, actress Nafessa Williams, NBA and WNBA analyst Monica McNutt, fashion curator Milan Rouge, and actress Khaneshia JaNea Smith all took part in the energetic video sessions produced by Automotive Rhythms.

Moving forward, Lexus just unveiled its latest innovation in the form of the all-new 2026 ES. I visited the headquarters in Plano, Texas, for the HQ Confidential unveil. The model on display was a 2026 ES 500e trim donned in a vibrant Copper Crest hue. It enters the scene with revamped styling defined initially by the LF-ZC Concept. The sedan features hybrid and electric powertrains and incorporates enhanced technologies with modern indulgences. For example, the ES is the first Lexus vehicle to adopt the intuitive Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite of occupant protection.

Its sharp lines and creases signal the start of a new era for Lexus, which the brand refers to as Clean Tech x Elegance. Compared to its predecessor, the sedan’s physique is completely refurbished. Sleek L-shaped LEDs replace the triple-beam headlights, while a closed-face, shorter grille indicative of an electrified powertrain relieves the hallmark Lexus Spindle Grille. It gives the front fascia a sharper, futuristic edge that may appeal to ES connoisseurs looking to upgrade.

Overall, the silhouette of the new ES is 6.5” longer and the wheelbase is stretched 3” compared to the prior model. The elongated side profile takes on the Spindle motif and evokes an aerodynamic aura. You will also find an interesting black hockey stick outline that runs through both doors, a singular light bar in the back dubbed the Rear L-Signature Lamp, and dark aero wheels (19s or 21s) wrapped in Michelin Primacy all-season tires.

The ES is engineered with three distinct powertrain options: a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (FWD, AWD) hybrid system in the ES 350h, and two battery-electric variants (BEV) — the FWD ES 350e and the DIRECT4 AWD ES 500e. The hybrid setup produces 243 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. With the large-capacity battery positioned beneath the floor, the BEV ES 350e delivers 220 horsepower and has an estimated driving range of 300 miles. 

The more powerful ES 500e puts out 338 horsepower and delivers roughly 250 electric driving miles. Yet, I would like to see this range increase in the near future. The cabin is completely redesigned with premium materials and thoughtful details throughout. Door panels feature intricate 3D-printed bamboo layering, soft-touch leather with embossed patterns, and customizable ambient lighting. At the center of the driver-focused cockpit is a 12.3” digital instrument cluster that pairs with the 14” Lexus Interface multimedia system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sound system crafted by Mark Levinson. 

For the first time in North America, the ES will offer an Executive Package, which enhances rear-seat comfort with increased legroom, power-reclining seats, and premium features such as heating, ventilation, and massage functionality, bringing flagship-level amenities to the midsize luxury vehicle.

The 2026 Lexus ES enters a new electrified era while maintaining the core principles of Japanese opulence that have defined the brand for the past three decades.

RELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation Partners With Lexus To Give Back To Black-Owned Businesses

Lil Wayne, Travis Hunter, sports agent, football. NFL
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 24, 2025

Travis Hunter Becomes First Non-Quarterback To Receive Entire NFL Signing Bonus Up Front

Travis Hunter is making history with his first NFL paycheck. The incoming rookie will become the first non-quarterback to receive his entire signing bonus up front.

Hunter inked the monumental contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, the 22-year-old two-way player will get a huge chunk of his $46.65 million deal before he even plays a game.

As part of his finalized contract, Hunter will bring home his entire singing bonus of $30.57 million. ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter confirmed the news on June 22 on X.

The fully guaranteed contract will pay out the rest of the funds across Hunter’s four years. Hunter already made his mark in college football, notably playing offensive and defensive positions at the University of Colorado. He intends to play as a wide receiver and cornerback for the upcoming season.

Hunter’s performance made him a top prospect in the 2025 NFL draft. The Jaguars selected him as the No. 2 pick in the first round. According to Sports Illustrated, the franchise had to give up even more to secure the chance to select Hunter. They made a trade with the Cleveland Browns, giving up their first, second, and fourth-round picks and their 2026 first-round pick.

Upon the news breaking, the Jaguars released a new interview with Hunter on his excitement for signing the historic deal.

“It’s a blessing,” explained Hunter on his intentions to explore the dual-position role. “I’m very excited to be at a place that they let go ahead, and let be myself and let me do what I do.”

The Jaguars hope this investment will lead to a return to the playoffs in the 2025 season, especially after not making it for the past two years. The team ended its 2024 season with a 4-13 record.

RELATED CONTENT: Travis Hunter Reportedly Contributed Funds To Colorado Buffaloes’ NIL Collective

Kentucky, Louisville, Small Business, grant
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 23, 2025

Forget Anti-DEI Corporations, Shop Red Bag Welcomes Black-Owned Businesses With Open Arms

Launched on Juneteenth, consumers can shop their favorite brands ranging from beauty to workout gear to seasonings.

With major retailers pulling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Black-owned brands are looking for new shelves to call home. That’s where Shop Red Bag comes in. 

Shop Red Bag is an online marketplace created for supportive Black-brand consumers to show support by putting the Black dollar back into spaces that support them. As corporations like McDonald’s, Target, and The Home Depot have scrapped their DEI policies and initiatives, veteran media executive Candi Carter hopes her new platform will be a safe space for those entrepreneurs. “When I saw the outrage and the backlash online around all of these DEI programs being rolled back, or we’re just not gonna call it that, or we are caving to the administration, I just felt like because of what I did, what my company does, even though we are small, we are mighty,” Carter said, according to The Grio. 

“And I decided to be part of the solution.” 

Launched on Juneteenth, consumers can shop their favorite brands, ranging from beauty to workout gear to seasonings. The platform started with 80 different brands and hasn’t slowed down since. Brands like Copper and Brass Paper Goods, a stationery company, and Glamourina, an activewear line, have used the hashtag #shopredbag to boost traffic. “Every time somebody buys something on Shop Red Bag, we want them to post it, put up the hashtag, and say that your money matters—because your money matters. Every dollar matters,” Carter continued. 

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on day one of his second term, eliminating DEI policies from federal agencies. Corporations followed suit shortly after, but not without backlash from Black customers. In particular, Target, known for supporting Black-owned brands with products on its shelves, caused shock nationwide with its dial-back announcement. 

Civil rights and religious leaders like Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jamal Bryant curated a 40-day boycott from the retailer, which data has shown to be a massive success, with its revenue taking huge hits quarter after quarter. The former producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show says she respects what Bryant has done, highlighting how successful one can be in support of their own community. “I know we can all come around each other and uplift each other,” she said. 

“But it’s not open air. We did it. We set up the store. Come and shop. That’s all you gotta do. Just change your habits.”


Outside of being a boss in the media industry, Carter is known for taking matters into her own hands for causes she is passionate about. After efforts to help her son, who was born with a rare chromosome abnormality that causes learning delays, find friends, she started a nonprofit called We’ve Got Friends.

The safe space allows teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities to socialize with free programs. Started in Montclair, New Jersey, the program has expanded with groups in West Orange, Newark, Paterson, and Morristown.

RELATED CONTENT: REPORT: AS BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES FACE FUNDING DECLINE, MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED

Temple University
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 23, 2025

Temple University’s New Course Examines Kendrick Lamar’s Life, Influence, and Musical Legacy

Kendrick Lamar is the inspiration behind a new course coming to Temple University.

Temple University will introduce a new course in Fall 2025 that explores Kendrick Lamar’s life and music, focusing on the state of Black culture.

Developed by Temple University Africology and African American Studies professor Timothy Welbeck, the course, titled “Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D City”, uses the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist’s life and music as an academic resource, WHYY reported. Taking an Africalogical and Afrocentric approach, the class will examine the socioeconomic realities and cultural backdrop of Lamar’s hometown, Compton, California, as well as the state of Black culture that shapes the rapper’s work.

From his powerful 2016 Grammy performance to his headlining set at the 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Lamar has consistently used his platform to deliver raw, thought-provoking commentary on America’s treatment of the Black community. His Grammy-winning albums spark conversations that resonate long after their release, fueling ongoing debates about race, justice, and the country’s cultural landscape.

“Kendrick Lamar is one of the leading voices of his generation and has a keen ability to articulate various dynamics of black life and the quest towards self-actualization, and particularly also capturing the narrative of marginalization and rising from that,” Welbeck, a lawyer, professor, and fellow hip-hop artist, said.

Centering Black culture and hip-hop, the course will explore the roots of West Coast hip-hop and its influence on Lamar’s sound. As a Philadelphia native and hip-hop artist himself, Welbeck views the musical genre as a powerful lens for understanding generational voices, especially within the Black community, where hip-hop has long served as a look into challenging lived realities.

The course builds on familiar ground for Welbeck, who previously taught “Hip-Hop and Black Culture” at Temple. With this new class, he hopes students gain a deeper appreciation for Kendrick Lamar’s artistry and a broader understanding of hip-hop’s cultural significance on a global scale.

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McDonalds,mc rib, lawsuit
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 23, 2025

Nationwide McDonald’s Boycott Planned As An Act Of ‘Economic Resistance’

The People’s Union is going after McDonald’s with its latest nationwide boycott.

McDonald’s is gearing up for a nationwide boycott beginning June 24 as advocates target the mega fast food chain as a sign of support against “economic resistance.”

The People’s Union, a rising movement known for spearheading boycotts against Amazon, Target, and Walmart in recent months, is now targeting McDonald’s with a new campaign urging Americans to avoid the fast food chain from June 24 to 30, Newsweek reports.

The group says the latest boycott is a form of “economic resistance” aimed at holding corporations accountable and pushing for “real justice for the working class.”

”This is about more than burgers and fries, this is about power,” the group wrote in an Instagram post. “When we unite and hit corporations in their wallets, they listen.”

Like its previous campaigns targeting major U.S. corporations, the People’s Union boycott against McDonald’s urges the fast food giant to pay its fair share of federal taxes in support of easing the burden on America’s working class.

”We’re demanding fair taxes, an end to price gouging, real equality, and corporate accountability,” the grassroots movement wrote.

Since February, the group has led boycotts against Amazon, Walmart, and Target, along with periodic “economic blackouts,” encouraging Americans to skip shopping, streaming, online orders, fast food, and more, urging support for small, local businesses instead.

“Economic resistance is working. Target, Walmart, and Amazon are all feeling it, talking about it. They are talking about the boycotts. They are talking about The People’s Union USA,” The People’s Union founder John Schwarz said last month. “My friends, we are fighting for these corporations to finally pay their fair share of federal income taxes to alleviate that from the American worker. We are also fighting for these companies to hold manufacturers and themselves to a reasonable profit margin cap and equality across the board.”

Earlier this year, The People’s Union USA released a list of core grievances on its website targeting major corporations, citing issues like tax avoidance, poor worker conditions, and monopolistic behavior. McDonald’s was specifically called out for “tax avoidance and lobbying against wage increases,” according to the group.

More boycotts are planned for the summer, including an Independence Day action and a month-long boycott of Starbucks, Amazon, and Home Depot in July. The group will target McDonald’s, Walmart, and Lowe’s in August.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘The Angel Reese Special’: McDonald’s Debuts First-Ever Female Athlete Meal

Antonio McBroom, Ben & Jerry, selfish servant
by Nancy E Williams

June 23, 2025

Antonio McBroom, Ben & Jerry’s Largest Franchisee, Releases His First Book

Earlier this year, McBroom embarked on his next venture, launching his first book: The Self•ish Servant: Inspirational Lessons from a Visionary CEO to Create Extra-Ordinary Life.

The name Antonio McBroom should be familiar to BLACK ENTERPRISE readers, as we’ve covered his tremendous success, awards, and accolades as Founder and CEO of PRIMO Partners — the largest franchise ownership group for Ben & Jerry’s. Earlier this year, McBroom embarked on his next venture, launching his first book: The Self•ish Servant: Inspirational Lessons from a Visionary CEO to Create Extra-Ordinary Life.

With the rising demand for authentic, values-driven leadership, particularly among next-generation business builders, The Self•ish Servant offers a fresh perspective on one of the fundamental questions in business: How do you create lasting impact while building sustainable success? The book serves as an inspiring personal narrative and a practical guide to McBroom’s innovative leadership philosophy, combining self-development with servant leadership principles.

PRIMO Partners is a Southeast-based, award-winning, multi-unit and multi-brand organization with the goal of improving racial and socioeconomic equity in local communities. Through mentorship, coaching, and leadership development programs, McBroom and his team are creating the next generation of leaders. Now, McBroom is furthering this mission with the launch of The Self•ish Servant.

“I went from living in a house without running water to becoming the youngest franchise owner in Ben & Jerry’s history and building a multi-unit, multi-brand organization,” shared McBroom. “My transformation didn’t come through conventional business strategies—it came through learning to be selfish and servant-minded, a paradox that unlocks extraordinary potential—and this was the most meaningful lesson I’ve ever learned.”

In his book, McBroom chronicles his journey from growing up in rural North Carolina to becoming an award-winning CEO, offering an innovative framework for leadership that combines self-development with servant leadership principles. Along with practical business insight, McBroom shares his unique “Seven Principles of CEO Life” and is living proof of the success that comes from combining tenacity, self-awareness, and servant leadership.

A Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, McBroom discovered early on that true leadership requires an unconventional balance of deeply investing in one’s self-development and having an unwavering commitment to serving others. Despite facing significant obstacles, including racial discrimination and near-bankruptcy, McBroom developed a revolutionary approach to business leadership that has produced remarkable results across multiple industries.

As a 100% black-owned business, PRIMO Partners is on a mission to develop diverse businesses and leaders.  PRIMO breaks down barriers for Black entrepreneurship and business ownership challenges faced in marginalized communities. Using their business as a vessel to help bridge the generational wealth gap for minorities, they invest a percentage of their revenues every year to support communities and organizations, providing access to education, consulting, mentorship, resources, and staff development to build future leaders and business owners.

For more information, visit selfishservant.com.

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LeBron James, Kobe Bryant
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 23, 2025

LeBron James And Kobe Bryant Autographed Patches Auction For $1.16M

A buyer purchased a 2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual Logoman autographed card signed by both players

A buyer purchased a 2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual Logoman autographed card of Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant for just a little over a million dollars in a recent auction.

According to Sports Illustrated, the purchase of the item was $1,161,440 after it was placed on the Goldin Auctions website. The first bid, which was placed on May 15, was for $500,000 until the final bid came in on June 14.

The listing for the item stated: “Two of the most iconic players in NBA history, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, have placed blue ink on-card signatures on the cardfront of this unbelievably prestigious Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logo Autographed Patches collectible. The card features a pair of multicolored game-used NBA “Logoman” logo patches. Since their first mainstream emergence in the “Logo Mania” insert set within the 2002-03 Upper Deck basketball production, Logoman patch cards consistently rank as the most sought-after chase cards in any issue wherein they are featured.”

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With the price tag of $1.16 million, it fell short of another James/Bryant card on the auction block in 2022. Goldin Auctions sold a 2006 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection featuring James and Bryant, along with Michael Jordan, for $1.68 million on Aug. 6, 2022.

Both basketball players have left their mark on the NBA and played with the Lakers, a franchise with 18 championships.

Bryant’s life was cut short when the basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020. He was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

James, who will be in the Hall of Fame five years after he leaves the basketball court for good, is the record holder for most points scored and the only player to surpass 39,000 points in the league.

RELATED CONTENT: LeBron James Wants the NBA To Make 2 Changes

AAMU
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 23, 2025

Alabama A&M University Exposed In State Audit For Non-Compliance Issues And Overpaying Employees

The school faced issues within accounts payable and its Athletics department.

A new state audit on Alabama A&M University found the HBCU had multiple non-compliance issues.

The audit looked at the school’s accounts from 2019 to 2022. In the 2023 filing, the school violated seven areas of compliance, as confirmed by WHNT.

The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts discovered that the HBCU did not correctly input an employee’s salary into its system. The mistake resulted in an overpayment of thousands of dollars to the employee.

The issue stemmed from the employee, who began working at the HBCU in March 2022, receiving an incorrect hire form. The document had an earlier end date than contractually agreed upon. As a result, the person obtained more funds during their employment. However, the form was consistently approved by the University system, falling through the cracks until this recent audit.

“The form was approved on eight different occasions by seven different approvers. Based on the hire form, the employee’s annual salary was entered into the accounting system to be paid over seven months instead of 12 months, resulting in a payroll overpayment totaling $7,228.26,” the state audit said.

Another notable non-compliance area occurred within the Athletic Department at Alabama A&M. The Examiners’ office found that the school did not “ensure accountability” for all tickets printed and sold.

It added, “Reconciliations provided were only for game day sales and were not reconciled to the general ledger. Discounts were provided to alumni, faculty, and staff, and for tailgate packages without documentation or a standard list of the types of discounts offered. Neither a listing of complimentary tickets nor evidence of supervisory review of the complimentary tickets issued could be provided.”

The school has since rectified the matter by ensuring all ticket sales are cashless. However, the school still must resolve multiple violations, including failing to reconcile student accounts receivable and accounts payable. The audit also found that the school lacked policies for bank reconciliations, suggesting that Alabama A&M take steps to develop these procedures to approve reconciliations promptly.

The school’s research station also circumvented its purchasing process, while journal entries did not follow proper procedure for review and approval either.

RELATED CONTENT: 60-year-Old Graduates With Bachelor’s From Alabama A&M University

Thomas Fugate
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 23, 2025

22-Year-Old Trump Superfan Hired To Fight Terrorism Weeks Before U.S. Entered Israeli-Iranian War

With no experience in a space that is set to stop attacks like September 11, 2001, counterterrorism officials, social media critics and American voters are increasingly concerned.

Thomas Fugate, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, has been tagged as the leader of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), whose goal is to combat terrorism and hate-fueled violence in the United States, ProPublica reports. 

The 22-year-old’s résumé includes experience as a neighborhood gardener and grocery store clerk as of August 2023. The former Heritage Foundation intern, known for spearheading Project 2025, was then appointed to the position by the White House after working on President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. 

With no experience in Homeland Security, set up to stop attacks like September 11, 2001, counterterrorism officials, social media critics, and American voters are increasingly concerned. “Maybe he’s a wunderkind. Maybe he’s Doogie Howser and has everything at 21 years old, or whatever he is, to lead the office. But that’s not likely the case,” one counterterrorism researcher who once worked with CP3 officials said. 

“It sounds like putting the intern in charge.”

Another said, “We’re entering very dangerous territory.”

Concerns on social media grew following Trump’s June 21 announcement that the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear sites amid growing tensions with Israel. “Iranian Sleeper Cells? Don’t worry, America. 23-year-old former grocery store clerk Thomas Fugate is on the case at DHS,” @themainewonk posted on X. 

Actor Mark Ruffalo even chimed in, asking how Fugate was even selected for the security position in the first place. “Hate crime and homegrown terrorist attacks are up, and now we are vulnerable to attacks from Iran. Who is this guy? How is he qualified for all this?” the Marvel actor said.

Fugate is filling the large shoes of former DHS CP3 director William Braniff, who resigned Mar. 3. In a statement on LinkedIn, Braniff said he felt it was necessary after colleagues were wrongfully terminated. “Over the course of the weekend prior, eight dedicated and effective public servants were wrongfully terminated via email due to their probationary status,” the former leader wrote. 

“As my term appointment was ending, the best thing I could do for them and for CP3 was to resign alongside them, as some agencies and departments have rehired people in mission-critical offices once they were made aware of the implications of those terminations.”

The Army veteran with 20 years of experience in national security encouraged voters to write to elected officials in an effort to save funding for a program that could save lives and democracy. “There are nearly 2.5 violent plots per day in the US, and many can be prevented if we continue to invest in CP3. Please amplify this message and write to your elected leaders,” Braniff continued. 

Despite the backlash and growing concern, the White House stood down on its decision but claims the position is temporary. “Due to his success, he has been temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities in the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships office,” a White House official wrote in a statement. 

“This is a credit to his work ethic and success on the job.”

RELATED CONTENT: After Trump’s Iran Strike, Black Twitter Reminds Nation: Obama Had A Deal

John Salley, Detroit Pistons, Chicago. Bulls
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 23, 2025

NBA Legend Recalls How He Avoided Pistons’ Disrespectful Court Walk-Off During ‘Bad Boys’ Era

He asked coach Daly to put him back in the game once he found out the plan to not shake their opponents' hand after game

The Basketball Network recently reposted a video released over five years ago by former Detroit Pistons player John Salley, in which he stated that he did not want any part of the team walking off the basketball court before the game was over after they lost a playoff series to the future NBA Champion Chicago Bulls.

The incident occurred after the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals. The Detroit Pistons were the reigning NBA Champions for two straight seasons and were facing the upstart Chicago Bulls to see who would represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. The Pistons had to fend off the rising star named Michael Jordan, and it was an intense series. The Pistons were called the “Bad Boys” of the NBA for a reason; they played with such intensity that they were the most feared team. However, this did not stop the Bulls from proving they were the better team in their quest.

The Pistons had previously knocked the Bulls out of the playoffs on their way to capturing their second title, so revenge was on the mind of the young Bulls team. The Chicago team brought it directly to the Pistons and SWEPT the NBA champions, not allowing the “Bad Boys” to gain one victory. The Game 4 match took place in Detroit at the Palace of Auburn Hills, in front of the team’s home crowd.

As the time ticked off the clock with the game already won by the Bulls, the entire team, who weren’t on the court, got up and walked past the Bulls without acknowledging the players, despite time still being left on the clock. That was the most disrespectful move any NBA team can make: not even congratulating their opponents for beating them, showing no sportsmanlike conduct.

During an interview with Vlad TV, Salley admitted that he did not want any part of the disrespect toward the future champions, who went on to win their first NBA title that year.

Once Salley learned of the plot, he went to coach Chuck Daly and asked him to put him back in the game so he wouldn’t be involved with the disrespect his teammates planned.

“I literally said, ‘Chuck, put me back in the game.’ He was like, ‘Come on, Salley, you can’t get any more points.’ I go, ‘You gotta put me back because I don’t want to be a part of what’s about to happen.’ And they walked off,” Salley told Vlad.

He explained that the Celtics had done the same to them when they won their first championship, so they were “repaying” the Bulls by giving them the same treatment.

The Bulls went on to win three straight NBA titles before Jordan retired and went to play baseball. He eventually returned, and the Bulls won three more championships as Jordan went undefeated in the NBA Finals (6-0).

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