Chicago Bulls fans take fall over long-standing feud

What they're saying: "Family, friends that are still here ought to be appreciated and shouldn't be disrespected," Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan said, per the AP.

Context: Krause, who died in 2017, is one of the most controversial figures in team history. The former general manager has been frequently vilified by Chicago sports media, and accused of breaking up the Bulls dynasty.

• He was eviscerated by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the 2020 Netflix docuseries "The Last Dance," where even owner Jerry Reinsdorf talked candidly about Krause's role in dismantling the team.

Thought bubble: Krause is well-deserved to be in the team's "Ring of Honor." He drafted Scottie Pippen, he chose coach Phil Jackson, and made crucial moves, bringing in Dennis Rodman and Toni Kukoc.

• He was twice named NBA Executive of the Year.

It's unfortunate that Thelma Krause and her family witnessed such a negative experience on such a positive night. The fans were wrong to boo, but it wasn't directed toward the family.

• When the stadium scoreboard flashed Krause's image, it set off a chorus of boos. Once the scoreboard flashed live video of Thelma Krause crying, the crowd subsided.

The bottom line: Sports narratives thrive on winners and losers, good and evil, and battles between superheroes and villains.

• On a night when fans were excited to honor their heroes, Krause was a stark reminder of why those beloved superstars left town.
• But fans didn't create the Krause narrative. Jordan, Pippen, and the Bulls franchise did. That's the real shame.