Cigar Aficionado: Michael Jordan Uncut is a lifestyle magazine that revolves around, that’s right, cigars. Obviously there is a bit more to it than that. The magazine features celebrity interviews, a variety of advertising and other lifestyle topics. It also now has plenty of video content, as it should in the age of social media. Founded by Marvin Shanken who has a number of other lifestyle brands under his belt, Cigar Aficionado is a publication that wreaks of prestige and sophistication. In fact, recently they featured an interview with the one and only Michael Jordan. Since fans have went near crazy over his most recent documentary The Last Dance, it seemed only right to include this 2017 interview as a “must watch”.
The uncut interview runs just north of an hour consisting of Marvin Shanken and Michael Jordan just sitting down, having a few drinks, and of course, puffing down a few top quality Cuban cigars and discussing a variety of topics some immaterial and others of great intrigue. Jordan, who most of the universe knows as possibly the greatest professional basketball of all time, gives a bit of insight into things some people may not know about him. He discusses his many business ventures which include restaurants, his Air Jordan/Nike shoe brand, and his ownership of sports franchises namely that of the Charlotte Bobcats. He also delves a little bit into his family life growing up, and just a pinch of information about his own family.
Surprisingly enough, basketball isn’t as discussed as one would think considering this is an interview with Michael Jordan. Though to be clear it is talked about, this interview is more about Michael Jordan opening up, showing himself a bit more laid back, and acting a bit more personable than fans are used to seeing him. The way it was shot is as simple as gets, as there’s no movement from there table, and the entire thing is really just a filmed conversation. Shanken is light and not overbearing in how he approaches Michael, and Michael is receptive and politely responsive to his interviewer as if there’s nothing he won’t answer. The interview is entertaining in that it shows Michael Jordan as something that many forget he is: a human being. Knowing that he’s such a larger than life public figure, interviews like this are a fun reminder that though people like him live vastly different lives, and much more upscale than some are accustomed, they still have their own struggles, problems, and feelings to deal with.
By simply searching ‘Cigar Aficionado Michael Jordan’ or Cigar Aficionado: Michael Jordan Uncut’, the full sit-down can be found on YouTube for free.
By simply searching ‘Cigar Aficionado Michael Jordan’ or Cigar Aficionado: Michael Jordan Uncut’, the full sit-down can be found on YouTube for free. With some added clarity, there are no bombshells, fresh scoops, or juicy secrets in this interview. It’s just two men at a table having a talk over a stogie. That to say, it’s still refreshing to see one of the world’s best athletes just relax and behave as though he’s with a friend, and not doing a press junket.
