Crying Jordan began with a real moment, but the meme came later: Associated Press photographer Stephan Savoia photographed Michael Jordan crying during his 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech. A documented early meme appeared in 2012, and the familiar face-cutout version spread through online forums and blogs in the years that followed.
Where did the Crying Jordan photo come from?
The photograph was taken on September 11, 2009, at Jordan’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Jordan became visibly emotional during his speech; this was not a picture taken during a basketball game. Know Your Meme’s timeline dates the ceremony, while a BGR retrospective identifies Associated Press photographer Stephan Savoia as the person behind the image.
Savoia later recalled that he had photographed Hall of Fame ceremonies before but had not seen an athlete react that way. As other photographers began packing their image cards, Jordan lifted his head while still crying. Savoia kept shooting, and said the photograph went out that night with an AP Photo/Stephan Savoia credit, according to Yahoo Sports’ oral history. In a Wall Street Journal interview quoted by ESPN, Savoia said: “It was the first time in maybe 40 years I had ever seen an athlete cry.” ESPN’s account also gives the quote’s context.
When did the photo become a meme?
The early caption: a Bobcats joke
The 2009 photograph and the meme are separate moments. One documented early meme appeared on MemeCrunch on April 23, 2012, using the unaltered photo with the caption “Why / Did I buy the Bobcats?” The joke targeted Jordan’s ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats during a miserable stretch for the team. Charlotte finished the 2011–12 NBA season 7–59, a .106 winning percentage, after a 23-game losing streak, according to ESPN’s season report.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Vintage Basketball Graphic T-Shirt Collection Sports Rap Hip-Hop Style Y2K Streetwear for Men Women Fans
- Customizable: Easily make your shirt by yourself. Click on "Customize Now" to select Style, Size, Color
- Gift ideas: Perfect gift for occasions like Christmas Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Birthday, Thanksgiving, Anniversaries or any family gathering, holiday throughout the year.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you have any problems with our product, feel free to contact us and our 24/7 support team will be there for you.
The cutout format spreads
The familiar version cuts out Jordan’s crying face and places it over another person or scene. Know Your Meme documents a 2014 forum post with multiple examples, followed by posts and blogs that helped the variation circulate through 2015. The timeline points to community spread, not a verified single inventor of the Photoshop format.
How did Crying Jordan’s meaning change?
The early Bobcats caption made the image a sports joke about a bad outcome and a questionable decision. As the cutout format traveled beyond sports forums, the face became a flexible reaction to sadness, defeat, embarrassment, or humiliation. Its joke no longer needed to involve Jordan, basketball, or even a specific losing team: the recognizable expression could stand in for a person or situation taking an L.
Rank #2
- Anthony Graphic Tees Shirt Collection Vintage Basketball Rap Hip-Hop Style Y2K Streetwear for Men Women
- Customizable: Easily make your shirt by yourself. Click on "Customize Now" to select Style, Size, Color
- Gift ideas: Perfect gift for occasions like Christmas Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Birthday, Thanksgiving, Anniversaries or any family gathering, holiday throughout the year.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you have any problems with our product, feel free to contact us and our 24/7 support team will be there for you.
That evolution is why the original photograph and the cutout version are worth distinguishing. The first is a documentary image of Jordan at an emotional public event; the second is an edited internet format that repurposes his expression for unrelated situations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Michael Jordan approve the meme, and can people reuse the photo?
In 2016, Jordan spokesperson Estee Portnoy told the Chicago Tribune that the team had noticed the meme and was monitoring commercial uses. Know Your Meme reproduces her statement: “We haven’t seen anyone using it to promote their commercial interests, which is something that we’re monitoring.” That was a report about the situation at the time, not an endorsement or a license to reuse the image.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Click Customize Now to Choose Style, Color & Size.
- This shirt is made of 100% premium heavyweight cotton offering a soft and breathable feel that keeps you comfortable. It retains its desired shape all day.
- The classic-relaxed fit provides a casual, versatile look that’s ideal for any occasion. It is the perfect touch to your outfit and attracts compliments everywhere you go. Designed for everyday wear, while traveling, on adventures, playing sports, and more. Worn by lovers of sports, music, streetwear, and high fashion.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you have any problems with our product, feel free to contact us and our 24/7 support team will be there for you.
ESPN reported that an Associated Press spokesperson said AP owned the rights to its photograph. Sports Illustrated reported that Jordan’s spokeswoman said he would not pursue legal action against individual meme users. Neither report establishes that every reuse is lawful, or grants blanket permission for commercial use; copyright and publicity questions depend on the specific use and circumstances. These are historical reports, not current legal advice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Click Customize Now to Choose Style, Color & Size.
- This shirt is made of 100% premium heavyweight cotton offering a soft and breathable feel that keeps you comfortable. It retains its desired shape all day.
- The classic-relaxed fit provides a casual, versatile look that’s ideal for any occasion. It is the perfect touch to your outfit and attracts compliments everywhere you go. Designed for everyday wear, while traveling, on adventures, playing sports, and more. Worn by lovers of sports, music, streetwear, and high fashion.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you have any problems with our product, feel free to contact us and our 24/7 support team will be there for you.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
