Brett Hull Shows Michael Jordan How to Give Hall of Fame Speech

In September, former NBA superstar Michael Jordan raised more than a few eyebrows. The speech he gave at his Hall of Fame induction quickly turned into a vengeful gong show in which His Airness blasted virtually anyone who he even perceived to be guilty of a slight.

Monday night, the Hockey Hall of Fame welcomed its class of 2009. The ceremony's very first acceptance speech was given by former St. Louis Blue, Dallas Star, and Detroit Red Wing Brett Hull. It was a stirring example of how to give a Hall of Fame speech.

Here is the video of Hull's speech.

In case you've forgotten, here's MJ's idea on a Hall of Fame address. You'll notice a stunning difference in the attitudes shown by both.

Hull was followed by Brian Leetch, Lou Lamoriello, Luc Robitaille, and Steve Yzerman, all of whom gave similarly classy and dignified acceptance speeches.

Hockey players have generally developed a positive reputation over the years by showing a great amount of respect for their sport and its wonderful history. It's the kind of behavior that makes events like Monday's so much fun to watch. While these guys are all legends, there's an obvious acknowledgment of the honor they have received. It's a concept people like Jordan apparently don't understand. If they do, they have a weird way of showing it.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

11-10-2009 @ 12:20AM

rwing said...

I never saw Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame acceptance speech, but from what I have heard, I guess I didn't miss much.

But Brett Hull gave a great speech, as I thought they all did....being gracious and thankful for the honor bestowed upon them, as it should be. Thanks Stevie, Brett and Luc for wearing the winged-wheel with dignity and pride....the latter 2 for parts of their career, and Stevie for his entire career.

Congratulations also to Lou Lamariello(sp?) and Brian Leetch.....all CLASS ACTS.

11-10-2009 @ 1:27AM

Rob said...

Ok, Hull had a great speech all the way, but I'm missing what was so wrong about Jordan's? Sure it was more lighthearted and casual, but it wasn't disrespectful or bitter as this article implied.

11-10-2009 @ 4:41AM

jhooperaa said...

If you do not see the difference between Hull and Jordan then you are a Jordan coolaid drinker. Michael Jordan was always about one thing his while career. MICHAEL JORDAN. He is self serving, has an ego bigger than the city of Chicago. Jordan has done NOTHING for black youths in America other than sell them $150 sneakers. He is classless. Hull has more class in his little finger than Jordan has in his whole body.

11-10-2009 @ 1:06PM

billyp01 said...

great article. little is known about the players outside of the hockey world, but the nhl is truly one sport where the players are just happy to be getting paid to do the one thing they love most.

11-11-2009 @ 12:59AM

resin8love said...

Brett Hull was a great player and still has so much class, I love him. Im proud to say that he was a part of the RED WINGS my home team it was fun watching this lineup. I had sent him a hockey card in the mail with reutrn self stamped envelope and he autographed it and mailed it back. Such a role model. Thank you Brett, GOD bless you and you family.