Scottie Pippen Made a Hasty $18 Million Decision All Because of His Paralyzed Brother Ronnie
Scottie Pippen was one of the most incredible NBA players during the 90s. He helped the Chicago Bulls achieve great levels of success through his work irrespective of who played with him on the team. But his story to fame was not the best. Pippen faced a lot of struggle before making it onto the main stage. But even during his career, he faced a lot of adversity and criticism.
Just before the Bulls started their journey as NBA Champions, Scottie signed a very minor extension with the team. The contract was worth $18 million over seven years. At that time, people judged Pippen for making such a hasty move as the NBA was set for a renewal of their collective bargaining agreement.
In his book “Unguarded”, he explained why he decided to sign that deal. He said, “It cost me millions of dollars and had a negative effect on my relationship with Jerry Reinsdorf and Jerry Krause.” He stated had he waited for a while longer, he would’ve had a different mindset or stayed with the Bulls for the rest of his career.
“That doesn’t mean I have regrets. I made the decision with the information I was presented with at the time. I have no doubt it was the right decision for me… Because of what happened to my brother and father, I learned early on how everything in your life can be taken away… I couldn’t afford the risk I would get injured and end up with nothing,” he wrote.
Scottie Pippen did not want to risk being without a contract had the future held something else in store for him. He considered every possible outcome before making that decision which is why he holds no regrets.
Scottie Pippen and his 11 siblings grew up under extreme conditions
Scottie Pippen didn’t have all the blessings a young athlete would have had growing up. He did not have a great high school or college career, while in reality, he had a lot to deal with his family. In college, he was rejected as a player from the University of Central Arkansas’ team. But he chose to work as a student equipment manager, eventually landing himself the opportunity to play on the team.
During an appearance alongside Floyd Mayweather and other panelists on FEAR presented by Black Tree TV, he explained his upbringing. He said, “I grew up as the youngest of 12 kids in a small town in Arkansas. Sharing beds with some of my siblings and things growing up. But as a young kid, I saw my brother become paralyzed. And he’s still living today, but he’s been paralyzed now for 50+ years.”
He continued to explain how his father ended up having a stroke when he was younger. This issue ended up affecting his father’s health so much that he passed away. His brother, Ronnie had an incident in school that paralysed him ever since. Ronnie wrestled in school and one day, one of his schoolmates fell on his back which immobilized him forever.
