MJ’s influence on sports

The stunning news of Michael Jackson’s death at age 50 put the King of Pop’s career back in the spotlight. Michael’s influence can be felt in many fields of endeavor: Music, dance and yes, even sports.

Serena Williams, competing this week at Wimbledon, admitted she had been left speechless by the news of Jackson’s death.  Her post-match press conference after defeating Daniela Hantuchova was dominated by her recollections of MJ. Serena had met the self-styled King of Pop several times and paid tribute to his legacy as a cultural icon and musical innovator.

“He was a great guy and a complete icon,” Serena said. “Words can’t express my shock and horror.

“He was definitely the ultimate celebrity. Any celebrity who met him was completely in awe. I know I was.”

It’s hard to believe today, but there was a time when not everyone on the planet had made a video. Videos from Jackson’s Thriller album, especially the title cut, helped the genre explode in the early ’80s. By 1985, even the Chicago Bears were getting into the act with the Super Bowl Shuffle.

Athletes celebrated their achievements long before Michael, but the Gloved One took the art of the dance to new heights, and you could argue that Touchdown celebrations ever since owe a debt of gratitude to the King of Pop.

Mascots, too, paid homage to MJ during half-time programs. From the football field, to the basketball court, dance numbers have always had a pop sensibility influenced in great part by Jackson’s talents.

Hoopfeed.com has a great post today: Moonwalking on the hardwood: A basketball tributed to MJ that discusses Jackson’s impact on the world of basketball. His music was omnipresent from the high school level to the NBA.

To this day in basketball arenas snippets of “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” and “Smooth Criminal” are commonly heard tracks and never fail to get fans dancing.

The post also captures tweets from throughout the day yesterday of players and fans who posted their heartfelt thoughts on Jackson. Many pro women’s basketball players were clearly shaken by his passing including Ashley Battle, Chamique Holdsclaw and Candace Parker.

And Jackson’s influence on basketball extends further. The video for the singer’s hit “Jam” featured Jackson and the other MJ, basketball superstar Michael Jordan who taught Jackson how to play basketball while Jackson taught Jordan how to dance.

It is rare that an individual can impact so many people on a global scale. Michael Jackson’s music and dance moves did just that. Like some of the sports greats, just when you were ready to write off Jackson as a has-been, the King would stage one of his famous comebacks. Unfortunately, a final comeback won’t be forthcoming and  he’ll be greatly missed.