MJ: Smack across Monk's head 'was like a big brother' tap
Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan was not impressed with Malik Monk's decision to walk onto the court before Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons had officially ended.
However, "His Airness" insists that what happened next - an open-handed swat to the back of Monk's head - was simply a "tap of endearment," according to The Associated Press.
#Hornets owner Michael Jordan wasn't too happy with Malik Monk after he ran onto the court before the game was over and got called for a technical 😭😂@WCCBCharlotte pic.twitter.com/575UlSeZNz
— Zach Aldridge (@wzaldridge) December 13, 2018
The Pistons made the ensuing free throw, but the Hornets still held on to win 108-107.
"It was like a big brother and little brother tap," Jordan added. "No negative intent. Only love!"
As one of the NBA's fiercest competitors during his day, the Hall of Famer has perhaps earned the benefit of the doubt.