CHICAGO Bulls fans drove a team legend’s widow to tears on Friday.
Jerry Krause, the former general manager for the Bulls, was being honored in the team’s inaugural ring of honor ceremony.
Former Chicago Bulls general manager Jerry Krause was inducted into their Ring of Honor on Friday. Credit: Getty
His widow Thelma watched on in tears as fans booed Jerry. Credit: Twitter LegionHoops
Krause was one of 13 people being inducted into the ring of honor, being recognized as the man who built the Bulls’ six championship teams.
He died in 2017 and his wife, Thelma Krause, was present at the ceremony in his place.
However, when his name was being honored boos rained down from the crowd, clearly having an effect on Thelma.
She appeared to be battling tears as the jeers came down, getting comfort from someone behind her.
Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors who were playing the Bulls on Friday, was appalled by the reaction from fans.
“It’s absolutely shameful,” Steve Kerr said.
“Tonight and last night was all about the joy and love that that team shared with the city, and I’m so disappointed in the fans.
“I want to be specific since there were lots of fans I’m sure did not boo. Those who booed, they should be ashamed.”
Former Bulls forward Stacey King and now NBC analyst called out the fans for their behavior in the third quarter.
“I’m telling you what, Chicago is a sports town, and what we witnessed today when Jerry Krause’s name was called and the people that booed Jerry Krause and his widow, who was accepting this honor for him, it was the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” King said.
“I hurt for that lady. Brought her to tears and whoever booed her in this arena should be ashamed of themselves.”
Among the inductees at the ceremony were Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, and Dennis Rodman, but they didn’t attend the festivities.
The Bulls stars had a strained relationship with Krause at times during their dynasty, but current Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan didn’t think it deserved boos.
“He played a major part in the success that the Bulls had, creating one of the greatest teams ever assembled,” DeRozan said.
“Family, friends that are still here ought to be appreciated and shouldn’t be disrespected.”
Fans who weren’t able to attend the game couldn’t believe what happened on their TVs.
“Just so disrespectful by Bulls fans. I feel sick that my fanbase did this,” one fan said.
“Fans saw the documentary and think he’s a bad man. Dude brought 6 championship and a great dynasty team in the 90s fans just hating,” another fan said.