White House, participating in a ceremony with President Obama among American luminaries Vin Scully, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and others.

One of the 21 winners of the medal, which is recognized as the greatest civilian distinction that the United States can give its people, was Jordan, the legendary Chicago Bulls player and owner of the Charlotte Hornets. The honor is given to those “who have made especially meritorious contributions to world peace, to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors, or to the security or national interests of the United States.”

Obama made fun of Jordan during the event, saying that he is “more than just an Internet meme.” Obama also mentioned Jordan when he mentioned the class of medal honorees, mentioning a “renowned character actor like the guy from Space Jam.”

Jordan, 53, is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time and is widely regarded as the best basketball player of all time. Among his many achievements are six titles won with the Chicago Bulls and five MVP honors.

The Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully were also awarded Medals of Freedom.