When I was a kid, no one would believe anything positive that you could say about black people. That's a terrible burden.

I could have skated by as an athlete, but the world is so much bigger and more interesting than any one thing. I didn't want to be pigeonholed as just a jock. I'm also an author, a student of history, and I collect memorabilia from the Wild West. I'm also a son, a father, and a friend.

I think black Americans expect too much from individual black Americans in terms of changing the status quo.

This is what I would have done if I had to have a real job: I would have been a history teacher.

Fundamental preparation is always effective. Work on those parts of your game that are fundamentally weak.

I think the NBA will certainly survive without Michael Jordan.

I think I did very well against everyone who tried to defend me.