No, Michael Jordan didn’t say kneeling athletes should have their medals revoked

To some fans’ disappointment, basketball superstar Michael Jordan hasn’t always spoken out about racial justice issues. 

But a recent Facebook post claimed that Jordan took a stance — against speaking out.

"Michael Jordan Sparks Controversy with Call for Medal Removal from Athletes Kneeling During Anthem," a Feb. 12 Facebook post said, crediting Jordan with saying: "Any athlete who kneels for our national anthem should lose their medal."

But Jordan did not say this — PolitiFact found no news reports, interviews or statements that the basketball star called for athletes’ medals to be taken away, nor has he condemned kneeling during the national anthem. 

The post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads.)

The linked article redirected Facebook users to a blog post that said Jordan gave a "rare interview," but the article did not say to whom the interview was given or when. The story had no reporter byline other than "nvvp." 

Jordan in the past has voiced his support for athletes who chose to kneel during the national anthem.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the national anthem in 2016 to protest the killing of unarmed Black men by police. His silent protest sparked a movement, with athletes from a range of backgrounds participating.

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In a 2017 statement to the Charlotte Observer, Jordan said: "One of the fundamental rights this country is founded on was freedom of speech, and we have a long tradition of nonviolent, peaceful protest. Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized.

"At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country, we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division. I support Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA, its players and all those who wish to exercise their right to free speech."

We rate the claim that Jordan called for athletes’ medals  who kneel during the national anthem to be revoked False.