'I don't have to cheat, old man, to beat you' - Michael Jordan once trash-talked a doctor out of the gym in a pickup game

Michael Jordan's propensity to trash-talk was so intense that it extended far beyond professional games. This wasn't just reserved for the spotlight or matchups against the best players—it was a part of his DNA, which shined brightly even in casual settings. One instance came to light during his visit to a Chicago gym during his first retirement, wherein despite competing against average non-professionals, the 14-time All-Star showed no mercy and taunted them throughout.

MJ wanted that smoke every game

After winning his third consecutive NBA Championship and Finals MVP award in 1993, Mike famously decided to pursue a career in baseball. Yet, his passion for basketball never waned, as he often visited the Athletic Club at Illinois Center to play pick-up games. Interestingly, for the "Average Joe's" present there, it was both an honor and a nightmare that Jordan joined them.

One notable encounter involved Dr. Rick Weber, well into his 40s, who accused Jordan of "cheating" to get an edge. True to form, the 6'6" shooting guard didn't take kindly to the accusation. Put simply, he trash-talked Weber so mercilessly that "Doc" was forced to walk out of the gym, and the verbal harassment didn't stop even in the locker room.

"There was a friend of mine… he played in a game where he called out Mike for cheating," Tom Tuohy, a regular at the gym, said. "I'm telling you, Jordan just about rode him and trash-talked him out of the gym. He said, 'I don't have to cheat, old man, to beat you.' All the way to the locker room and taking a shower: 'Now don't slip, old man, and break a hip."

Dr. Weber wasn't the only one to face MJ's wrath

The six-time Finals MVP's trash-talking wasn't limited to Weber. Another player named David Boone managed to score a basket against "His Airness." Jordan's reaction was ruthless—he warned Boone that it wouldn't happen again and locked him down defensively for the rest of the night.

"You will not score again today," the guard told David.

Safe to say, whether in the NBA or a local gym, "Black Cat's" mission was always the same—to prove himself as the best player at any cost. For some, this nature of his came out as cocky; for others, it was awe-inspiring. Regardless of that, it was nearly impossible for all to ignore Mike's relentless competitive edge.