Michael Jordan pays tribute to Shane Warne: NBA legend sends flowers to the cricketer’s family after they were both sponsored by Nike in the ’90s
Shane Warne’s little-known friendship with NBA legend Michael Jordan has been revealed after the cricketer’s state funeral in Melbourne this week.
Jordan, 59, who is considered the greatest basketball player of all time, sent the Warne family flowers and a note expressing his ‘deepest sympathy’ for their loss.
Warne, also regarded as one of the best athletes in his sport, had bonded with the Chicago Bulls great in the ’90s when they were both sponsored by Nike.
Old friends: Shane Warne’s (left) little-known friendship with NBA legend Michael Jordan (right) has been revealed after the cricketer’s state funeral in Melbourne this weekÂ
According to reports, Shane and Michael’s surprising friendship evolved after they shared the same sponsor, Nike, back in the nineties.
‘Flowers from someone extremely special. Thank you Michael Jordan,’ Brooke captioned her post.
Michael sent a bouquet of red flowers which included some roses, an orchid and lush greenery. Â
Sweet tribute: Michael sent a bouquet of red flowers which included some roses, an orchid and lush greenery
Shane died aged 52 from a suspected heart attack while holidaying with friends on the Thai island of Koh Samui on March 4.
There are now fears Covid may have played a part in Shane’s death after he contracted the virus twice just months apart.
His family reported he had been having heart troubles in the weeks leading up to his death, while it has also been noted he suffered from asthma and was also a heavy smoker.
He was farewelled in a state memorial service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
Too young: Shane died aged 52 from a suspected heart attack while holidaying with friends on the Thai island of Koh Samui on March 4. There are now fears Covid may have played a part in Shane’s death after he contracted the virus twice just months apart
Meanwhile, a private funeral took place in Melbourne on Sunday, March 20, with 80 of his closest family and friends in attendance.
One billion people watched Warne’s memorial, including 300 million from India. Â
Tens of thousands rocked up to the cricketer’s memorial with the elite of Australia’s sporting, political and celebrity class in tow.
International visitors streamed in from overseas, with the likes of Elton John, Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Chris Martin paying tribute.
Vale: He was farewelled in a state memorial service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday
Robbie Williams played a moving version of his hit Angels for his ‘mate’ and said he had been looking forward to spending more time with Warne.
‘You seldom come across that kind of energy with people,’ he told viewers via video. ‘Easy company too … he was kind, charismatic, funny, charming and a gentleman.’Â
Sporting luminaries among the crowd were Merv Hughes, Michael Clarke, Brett Lee, David Boon, Steve Waugh, Gary Ablett Jnr, Brendan Fevola and Nick Riewoldt.
Political heavy weights included Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who got a frosty reception from the crowd when his name was announced.
The moment has divided social media users as to whether it was appropriate to boo the nation’s leader during the service, with some slamming it as ‘disrespectful’.
Saying goodbye: Meanwhile, a private funeral took place in Melbourne on Sunday, March 20, with 80 of his closest family and friends in attendance
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