Bryon Russell Wants a Rematch

Sports are funny. Some simply unremarkable teams or players are remembered forever because of their link to unforgettable sports moments. There are even instances where the athlete who blows the play overshadows the accomplishment of the other. Does the casual sports fan know who scored the winning run for the Mets to win Game 6 of 1986 World Series (Ray Knight) or who hit the routine grounder that rolled through Bill Buckner's legs (Mookie Wilson). Of course not...but I guarantee you even Paris Hilton knows who Bill Buckner is. 

The list of unfortunate athletes glorified for their mistakes goes on and on. I'm not the biggest Michael Jordan fan (especially after his annoying Hall-of-fame speech), but there's no debating he is the greatest basketball player of all time. There are a handful of players and coaches that will make the hall-of-fame just for being associated with him, and there is an even larger group of players that are more well known for their unsuccessful efforts to guard Mike than they are their own careers. 

Craig Ehlo (shot over Ehlooo!!!), John Starks (more well known for being served by MJ or having one testicle?), and of course Bryon Russell are the first three that come to mind. Jordan thanked, or called out, Russell in his hall of fame speech the other night, mentioning to the entire basketball world (as if it didn't already know) that he made one of the most famous shots (and committed one of the most egregious offensive fouls) in NBA history against Russell in the 1998 NBA Finals. Russell will forever be linked to Jordan. Fortunately or unfortunately for him, depending on how you look at it, we will be seeing the clip of Russell sliding past Jordan to the floor as MJ rises up and holds the perfect follow through on his jump shot as long as the NBA maintains a pulse. Apparently Russell isn't shy about his connection with the Greatest. In fact, he is challenging the old man to a rematch, a game of 1 on 1 to see if Jordan can still shake him. Below is his interview on ESPN's Outside the Lines in response to Jordan's speech.