All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Legend Unfazed by Goat Sounds in Italy

UNC basketball treasure Michael Jordan couldn't help but attract a blaring chorus of baas.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball guard Michael Jordan (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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While some folks on social media argue daily that LeBron James deserves the "greatest of all time" nametag, former UNC basketball national champ and six-time NBA Finals MVP Michael Jordan couldn't avoid reminders of his "GOAT" status even if he wanted to. And it doesn't matter where the Tar Heel is on the globe.

Look no further than his hilarious recent encounter with a herd of fans in Italy.

The 60-year-old Jordan, now enjoying a bit more freedom in retirement after selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets earlier this summer, looked to be enjoying a stroll during his getaway overseas when several Italians spotted him and approached him from behind.

Then one man spontaneously began making goat noises, and the rest of them quickly followed suit:

It appears that Michael Jordan, a three-year UNC basketball star under legendary Tar Heel head coach Dean Smith before going No. 3 overall to the Chicago Bulls at the 1984 NBA Draft, never fully turned around to either thank the guys for their show of respect or threaten them with a restraining order.

However, looking closely at the above video, the makeshift goatherder does seem to crack a side-smile in their direction.

Of course, while it may be one of the funniest instances of fanatics indirectly expressing their opinion in the LeBron vs. MJ debate, it looks as though the sounds didn't surprise Jordan.

No, beginning with his UNC basketball title-game heroics as a freshman, he was long ago left with no choice but to become accustomed to any bizarre displays of public affection.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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