CHICAGO — Chicago Bulls fans booed former general manager Jerry Krause on Friday night during a halftime ceremony to honor the organization’s greats, seemingly moving his widow to tears and drawing criticism from former players.
Krause was one of 13 members of the inaugural class for the Bulls’ “Ring of Honor,” and was being recognized as the architect of their six championship teams. Having died in 2017, Krause was represented by his widow, Thelma, who was visibly upset by a torrent of booing from some fans in the United Center and remained seated rather than acknowledge the crowd.
“It’s absolutely shameful,” said Warriors coach and former Bulls guard Steve Kerr, who was among the honorees but was in the locker room with his team at the time. “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.”
Jordan, Pippen and Jackson were at odds at times with Krause, one of the themes of “The Last Dance” documentary about the 1997-98 season, the final one of the Bulls dynasty Krause helped build.
“He played a major part in the success that the Bulls had, creating one of the greatest teams ever assembled,” Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan said of Krause. “Family, friends that are still here ought to be appreciated and shouldn’t be disrespected.”
