The popular internet meme “Crying Jordan,” used to insinuate that someone has hurt feelings after suffering a loss, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Tuesday. Sort of.
Six-time NBA champ and arguable greatest basketball player of all time Michael Jordan actually received the medal, but in doing so, he got repeatedly clowned on by President Barack Obama, who made mention of Jordan’s status as the meme of weeping shame.
In his introduction to the ceremony, Obama joked that the medal honors “extraordinary Americans,” including “character actors … the guy from Space Jam.” Nice burn. And he wasn’t done.
“He’s more than just a logo, more than just an internet meme…” Obama said, to laughs, during his run-down of Jordan’s accomplishments.
And he is certainly more than a meme, but his meme status is undeniable. Younger generations have more experience with Michael Jordan’s tear-streaked face than with his dunks or NBA Finals victories.
So it’s appropriate and totally funny that, when Jordan stood to receive his medal, he cried.
https://twitter.com/BrettLoGiurato/status/801164533754695684
Welp, there’s no chance the meme dies now. Jordan’s been cemented as a sobber in public. And even if Lebron James ends up taking the title of GOAT away from MJ, Crying Lebron will never erase Crying Jordan.
*inception noise* pic.twitter.com/LACVC6uVa2
— Godzilla Shammgodzilla (@FanSince09) November 22, 2016
Real legends never die.
