Leaving a tip can be a tricky practice, as opinions differ on how much to leave or give. While those in the service industry applaud such gestures, some consumers balk at the prospect of paying more on top of their bills.
A former NBA player called Andre Roberson “trashy” for leaving a $13.97 tip on a $487.13 bill. The incident occurred in 2017, when the defensive-minded wingman reportedly received a three-year, $30 million contract from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Advertising
Roberson pushed back
As mentioned, the subject of tipping is a thorny one. Some argue that they shouldn’t have left a tip when all the server gave them was a bottle, which Roberson argued in response to the allegations against him.
“You didn’t have to tip it was just a bottle at the bar… there was no service.. Now I can see it was a club! You’re getting there bro,” Andre posted on X.
However, some argue that tipping is an essential part of the service industry and should be factored into the overall cost of the meal. Others say that tipping encourages good service and rewards hardworking servers.
Advertising
That said, Roberson’s $13.97 tip is nothing compared to what the GOAT, Michael Jordan, allegedly gave a waitress during a private gambling session in Sin City. According to Rich Strafella, a former Hard Rock Hotel executive, MJ and another sports icon, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, were gambling in a private saloon when Jordan ordered a cocktail. Once the drink was delivered to him, Jordan gave him a five-dollar chip, which Gretzky saw.
“Wayne took it off the cocktail waitress’ tray, handed it back to Michael, grabbed a hundred-dollar chip from Michael’s stack, and put it on the cocktail waitress’ tray. Then he said, ‘This is how we tip in Las Vegas, Michael,'” Remember Strafella.
Considering MJ has billions of dollars in his bank account, he can surely hand over $5 to a waitress.
Advertising
RELATED: Nick Wright blasts Victor Wembanyama for his ethical and sophisticated basketball: “I don’t need to talk to a 20-year-old French kid”
Shaq was a big tipper
While Roberson and Jordan were reluctant tippers, an iconic center didn’t hesitate to give his best to the waiters and servers he encountered. That man was none other than Shaquille O’Neal.
“Like, I like to leave big tips. I’ve been asking for the last 20 years, ‘How much do you want?’ And people are like, ‘No, no, no, I can’t answer that,'” Shaq shared. “One girl got smart and said, ‘I want 10,000.’ ‘Well, I can’t give you ten thousand, but I’ll give you one.’ She was smart and I was like, ‘I’m with you.’
Advertising
Another All-Star who did not fail to recognize the efforts of hotel staff members for his guests at the 2020 Orlando Bubble was Russell Westbrook, who left an $8,000 tip before leaving the hotel where he and his team were staying.
“They took a lot of care of us. They took the time and energy to do their job at the highest level. It was the right thing to do. I love doing the right thing,” Westbrook commented.
Tipping is never mandatory, but for NBA stars who make more than most in the service industry in their entire lifetime, sharing a piece of your fortune to show appreciation and gratitude is a small gesture that goes a long way.
Advertising
RELATED: How Michael Jordan Learned Hard Lessons From Record $168 Million Divorce
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on December 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off the Court section. Add The Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
