When Michael Jordan handed his childhood friend Dexter Williams a blank check, he intended it as a gesture of trust, friendship, and support. Dexter, whose construction business was failing and whose wife, Tama, was battling a serious illness, found himself struggling under overwhelming financial pressure. Michael trusted Dexter implicitly, simply telling him, “Take what you need.”
Dexter agonized for days over the blank check, unsure how much to write or whether he should even accept such a generous gift. He confided in Tama, who, despite her weakened condition, reminded him of the trust Michael had placed in him and advised caution and integrity in handling the blank check. Dexter initially considered only covering immediate debts and Tama’s medical expenses, totaling around $80,000, but his brother Ellis tempted him with grander ideas, arguing that Michael, worth billions, wouldn’t notice if Dexter took even a million dollars.
Dexter ultimately decided on $250,000—enough to save his business, fund Tama’s expensive treatments, and begin rebuilding his family’s future. But instead of just handling personal expenses, Dexter felt compelled to use the money to give back to his community. Inspired by his longstanding desire to build something meaningful, Dexter quietly purchased a rundown warehouse on Chicago’s struggling South Side.
Michael, meanwhile, grew increasingly anxious as weeks passed without hearing from Dexter. Rumors circulated wildly—some suggesting Dexter had disappeared, others hinting at suspicious activities involving shady characters. Media caught wind of the “blank check” story, exacerbating Michael’s concern and public scrutiny. Questions mounted, causing strain on their friendship.
Determined to get answers, Michael visited the warehouse himself. Expecting betrayal, he was astonished to find Dexter deep in conversation with city officials and community leaders. Dexter, startled but relieved, finally revealed what he’d been secretly building: the Southside Dream Center. It wasn’t just any community center; it was a transformative space designed to offer free healthcare, educational classes, job training, and state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a basketball court proudly named after Michael Jordan.
Overwhelmed by what Dexter accomplished, Michael questioned why Dexter had kept everything so secret. Dexter admitted he wanted to surprise Michael, to tangibly demonstrate how profoundly his trust had mattered. Dexter’s plan had succeeded beyond expectations. Michael’s initial $250,000 had acted as seed money, inspiring local businesses, foundations, and city agencies to contribute nearly $1.7 million in total.
The grand opening of the Southside Dream Center was a heartfelt community event, attended by neighborhood families, city officials, and Michael himself. Dexter publicly shared how Michael’s generosity had ignited the entire project, crediting his friend’s trust as the cornerstone of this remarkable achievement.
Later, privately, Dexter handed Michael an envelope containing a $250,000 repayment check, asserting it was a loan repaid in gratitude. Michael, deeply moved, tore the check apart, reaffirming it was a gift born from friendship and trust. Instead, Michael pledged ongoing support, including volunteering weekly as a basketball coach, particularly mentoring a talented teen named Jamal.
The Dream Center flourished, quickly becoming a lifeline for the community. Tama fully recovered, her illness inspiring even greater commitment to community service. Dexter’s business thrived, earning lucrative contracts and employing dozens of locals, further enriching their neighborhood.
Three months later, Dexter invited Michael to his office once more, presenting another envelope. Inside was a bank statement showing exactly $250,000 in Michael’s name—funds Dexter set aside from his now-successful business profits. Dexter insisted this money was Michael’s new “blank check,” to pay forward the trust Michael had generously given him.
Michael stood in thoughtful silence, recognizing that his simple act of giving had multiplied, creating ripples far beyond anything he imagined. He understood profoundly that trust, when genuinely extended, could inspire extraordinary outcomes.
In that moment, Michael decided to establish a scholarship fund to help South Side youths, beginning with Jamal, whose talent and determination mirrored Michael’s own youthful ambitions. The fund symbolized not just financial support but belief—belief in the limitless potential of every person given the chance.
The Dream Center became more than just a physical space. It embodied hope, renewal, and the power of friendship. Michael’s blank check had not only saved Dexter’s family; it had transformed an entire community, proving that true generosity and trust have the power to change countless lives, forever.
“I’m Not His Driver, I’m His Slave”: $2.2 Billion Michael Jordan’s Close Friend Described Working For The 6x Champ
Feb 15, 1996; Auburn Hills MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23) in action against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace at Auburn Hills. The Bulls beat the Pistons 112-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Being Michael Jordan is much more difficult than most could ever comprehend. The Chicago Bulls legend has a net worth of $2.2 billion and even when he didn’t have that kind of wealth and was in the NBA playing for a ‘couple million dollars’ a year, it’s tough to find people who want you, for you.
Everybody in Jordan’s life most certainly wants something out of their connection with the 6x NBA champion. So, when it comes to finding true friends, MJ has always had to keep an eye for people who were simply trying to use him.
This is why most of his closest friends are ones he made before all of the fame, whether it be from school or it be from when he was in his infancy stage of being a star in the league. Someone who he met around the time of his rookie season was a man who he would go on to call a friend even after his second retirement and beyond.
George Koehler can safely say that he is a close friend of Michael Jordan
The first man who met Michael Jordan after he had gotten drafted to the Bulls was none other than George Koehler. Well, he technically wasn’t the ‘first man’ who MJ met as team personnel would be the first but when it comes to native Chicagoans, Koehler might’ve been the first.
He owned a limo company at the time and this was perfect timings as someone who would have their fame skyrocket in a matter of weeks needed both a personal car service and driver. Luckily for him, Koehler provided his services almost immediately.
“I am not really the driver. I’m kind of like the personal slave. There are 1,000,000 people in this world who would love to hang out with Michael. Fortunately, I am a friend, and as long as he wants me around, I will be around,” said Koehler.
Michael Jordan lost a great friend in Charles Barkley
One man who Michael Jordan befriended and became quite fond of during his time in the NBA was none other than Charles Barkley. They would golf together and gamble together while also doing interviews on air with one another.
However, this all changed when Chuck took to his ‘Inside the NBA’ show to berate MJ on his front office management skills while with the Washington Wizards. Jordan took this personally and for the past 15+ years, they have not spoken.
