If you don’t know about “The Man Who Motivated Michael Jordan” by now, it’s in your best interest to check out the viral campaign’s website and get familiar. Charlie Murphy’s portrayal of Leroy Smith, the basketball player who won a varsity spot over Jordan in high school (thus inspiring his rise to greatness), is making rounds as one of the funniest, recent Internet sensations. We’ve already seen infomercials and mock interviews from Leroy, and the hilarious antics only continue with this new music video.
“My Gift To The Game” features Charlie Murphy in full Leroy uniform lip-synching to Ryan Leslie vocals and plenty of sexy screen time for Electrik Red hottie Naomi Allen. Be sure to watch all the way to the end for the unforgettable dance number too. Now, the next time you need some help with your game (or a good laugh), you know to holler at Leroy Smith.
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Trust us, there are times you don’t want to be like Mike.
This week, Michael Jordan will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. All week long, you’re gonna be bombarded with articles about his rarefied Air, lists of his greatest shots and illest sneakers, and clips of his funniest commercials. Snore. We already know MJ is the greatest basketball player/marketing vehicle that has ever lived (Kobe, you rimmed out in Colorado)! What really makes him great is that he’s so awesome in spite of his fuck-ups (rape charges don’t count, Kobe). So, rather than slob Jordan, Complex gives you the moments that proved he was mortal. Read on to watch 10 moments MJ would probably rather forget…
There are sports moments that make us cheer, ones that leave us speechless, and even ones that make us cry (a little). But it takes a special kind of athletic feat to make us stand up and say: “That’s badass.” Now “badass” comes in all shapes and sizes, both good and bad, but you know it when you see it: achieving victory in the face of odds that would make a normal man quiver in his pantaloons, risking your career to say what you feel (or just punch the guy who’s been pissing you off all game), playing through injury and dragging the comp, or even doing psychedelic drugs and still playing like a boss.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, but never doubt ‘em: sports badasses are why we’re watching the games in the first place. Listen folks, these ain’t your old man’s greatest sports moments. These are Complex’s 50 Most Badass Moments In Sports History…
Sick of all the Jordan 1s dropping? You shouldn’t be. Tomorrow JB releases the Jordan 1 60+ Pack, a two-set of sneakers that were inspired by MJ’s playoff performance against the Celtics in game 2 of the 1985-86 playoffs where he dropped 63 points. Two colorways will drop, the red/black style Jordan wore during the game, and a Celtic-friendly make-up (after the jump) just so Boston fans can feel nostalgic. Check for these to drop in a special packaging box at Jordan Brand retailers for $225. www.jumpman23.com
Some past Complex contributors are having their work featured in I (heart) Gen Art’s 15 Anniversary Benefit show that opens today at 7 West 34th Street (11th Floor). Should be sick, for more information click the link. [GenArt]
Guess what? Micheal Jordan is getting into the Hall of Fame. Did you think there wouldn’t be a ton of specialty product? First on deck is a decked out AJ1. [Nice Kicks]
Kazuki, the bawse over at Japanese label Neighborhood is re-signed for adidas’ ObyO collection for Fall. It’s not going to be cheap, but relative to his line, it’s going to be well worth it. [Hypebeast]
Sure Kobe’s the talk of basketball nation, and while we congratulate our former cover subject on his fourth title, we’re totally over all the Michael Jordan comparisons chatter. There’s only one MJ, and this September, when Jordan gets inducted into the Hall of Fame, Upper Deck is doing a huge rollout of memorabilia that’s a can’t miss for serious collectors.
The first phase of products is the Jordan 2009 Hall Of Fame Floor Collection, which includes authentic pieces of the United Center floor that MJ broke ankles on. The floor pieces are super-limited, topping out at 230, and are all mounted on plaques that feature superior photographs of His Airness. Read on to see exclusive images of the full collection, and if you’re interested in being part of the history, head over to UPPERDECK.COM for purchasing info…
So the news just broke that the wife of Mel Gibson is filing for divorce. Yawn. Then we found out the settlement gwap: $500 million plus half of the residual checks from Lethal Weapon and Braveheart. To paraphrase one of Mad Max’s recent flicks: Jesus-effing-Christ! Like Hovi said: Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.
Mel is taking a major L, but this isn’t the first time divorce has separated famous men from their millions. Complex takes a look back at some celebrity wives who laughed straight to the bank…ha ha ha ha!
Yesterday, it was announced that a game of H-O-R-S-E would be added to the NBA’s All-Star Weekend. Our first thought: It’s about E-F-F-I-N’ time. Sure, the dunk contest is actually kinda dope again and the 3-point shooting competition’s “money” balls always make trifey chuckle, but who doesn’t love a game of H-O-R-S-E? (We see you, Catherine the Great!)
The participants haven’t been announced (as long as it’s not Wally Szczerbiak, we’re cool with it), but if the L takes cues from these classic equine roundball contests (ayo!), they can’t go wrong…
