When Michael Jordan ruthlessly shut down Chamillionaire’s picture request

MJ's response left the rapper in shock

© Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Jordan is one of the most beloved athletes in all of sports, but even his biggest fans know that he can be quite uncompromising when it comes to picture requests. Just ask rapper Chamillionaire.

Denied with a capital "D"

Chamillionaire, who rose to stardom with his song "Ridin'" in 2005, was at a party for His Airness in 2009 when he decided to try his luck and ask for a photo with the legendary baller. He approached Jordan, who was with several Boston Celtics' players and renowned director Spike Lee.

"Nobody was talking, they were just chilling or whatever. I was just like, 'Hey I don't mean to be rude, but Mike I just wanted to know if I could get a picture?' I kind of expected him to say no, so I wasn't mad if he said no. But the way he said it? He said, 'Oh hell nah, man! I ain't taking no pictures with no ni**as,'" shared Chamillionaire.

Stunned at the response, Chamillionaire thought that maybe Jordan had not heard him so he shared a story about him paying $7,000 for one of his jerseys. Jordan's response?

"You pay $15,000 right now for a jersey from me and I'll take a picture with you."

Never meet your heroes

As the saying goes, never meet your heroes because they might disappoint you. That is the case here. 

Jordan's cold response serves as a reminder that even the great and powerful are capable of making mistakes. Perhaps His Airness was having a terrible day, or he wasn't in the mood. Either way, it's clear that when it comes to picture requests, Michael Jordan does not play.

It did not stop Chamillionaire from admiring him, even if the experience was awkward. It just shows that even the greatest of athletes have moments where they are not so great after all!