In a highly anticipated game at the United Center, the Chicago Bulls paid tribute to their new Ring of Honor by honoring their inaugural class. The event took place on Friday night as the Bulls faced off against Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors.

The first class of the Ring of Honor included 13 men and the entire 1995-96 Bulls team, which was instrumental in establishing the Bulls' dynasty in the 1990s. Among the honored was former general manager Jerry Krause, who sadly passed away in 2017. Representing Krause at the ceremony was his wife, Thelma.

However, the atmosphere turned sour during halftime as Krause was shown on the scoreboard. A significant number of boos erupted from the crowd, visibly upsetting Thelma. The negative response prompted strong criticism from Kerr, who played for the Bulls from 1993 to 1998.

Expressing his disappointment, Kerr condemned the fans who booed, describing their behavior as "shameful" and "devastating" for Thelma and the Krause family. Kerr emphasized that regardless of personal opinions about Jerry Krause, the purpose of the event was to celebrate the achievements of the 1995-96 team, which was expertly built by Krause.

Bulls President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf also expressed his displeasure with the booing incident. Reinsdorf released a statement after the game, emphasizing Krause's significant contributions to the team. He stated that Krause, a six-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Executive of the Year, deserved respect and celebration.

The negative reception towards Krause extended beyond the arena, with Stacey King, a former Bulls player and current NBC Sports Chicago analyst, joining in the criticism. King condemned those who booed, calling it the "worst thing" he had ever seen. He expressed sympathy for Thelma, mentioning that the incident brought her to tears and stating that those who participated in the booing should be ashamed of themselves.

Jerry Krause, though often portrayed as at odds with Bulls players and Coach Phil Jackson in the documentary "The Last Dance," was instrumental in building the Chicago teams led by the legendary Michael Jordan. The Bulls won six NBA championships in the 1990s under Krause's direction.

Regrettably, Jordan, alongside Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, were not present during the ceremony. However, Jordan addressed the crowd through a pre-recorded video message, expressing his gratitude and honoring the fans' unwavering support throughout his time in Chicago.

Despite the emotional halftime ceremony, the game itself saw the Golden State Warriors secure a victory over the Bulls, ending their two-game losing streak with a final score of 140-131.

The inaugural class of the Ring of Honor will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Bulls fans as they celebrate the team's rich history.