Better days…
Word leaked out late Friday that Michael and Juanita Jordan had been granted a divorce earlier in the day by a Lake County (Ill.) Circuit Court. The couple, who had been married for 17 years, has not been living together since February. They cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split, and retained joint custody of their three children, all teenagers.
Just days before, MJ had been seen hitting on the pretty ladies last week in NewYork.
Thew divorce papers read: “Through no fault of either party, irreconcilable differences have caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.”
So what kind of check will MJ have to write to get out of a marriage some felt had been a sham from the start? Court papers did not note any dollar figures, only noting that the he and Juanita had reached “a fair and equitable settlement.”
Juanita had previously filed for divorce in 2002, after MJ admitted paying a former lover, Karla Knafel, $250,000 to keep their relationship a secret. At the time Juanita asked for half of MJ’s assets, then estimated at $400 million. (Forbes says MJ earned $32 million in 2005.) She also wanted the couple’s Lake Forest estate and full custody of the children. She dropped the filing and the couple said they would seek reconciliation. In Friday’s papers, the Jordans admitted their efforts “have failed and … future attempts at reconciliation would be impracticable and not in the best interests of the family.”
After the court hearing the couple watched their two sons play in basketball game at Loyola Academy.
The Marriage Certificate…
Ballers, Gamers and Scoundrels 
Jordan is going to be an interesting character study in the coming years. When the adulation dies down, you’re suddenly detached from what you do better than most people in the world (I still think Magic was better, no matter what folks say), what do you do with your life? Figurehead for the Bobcats (damn my Lakers for losing to those fools yesterday!) and now your marriage is kaputs. Maybe this is a step in the right direction, or maybe not. But I wonder if Jordan knows where he’s ultimately going.
There is actually a fantastic book on the other side of Jordan, or rather the side of Jordan that Lawrence above makes reference to.
When Nothing Else Matters: Michael Jordan’s Last Comeback
by Michael Leahy
It details his struggles as a player in his final years with the Wizards, and his poor run in tenure as Executive for the Wizards. Also goes into how badly he screwed up relations with Abe Pollin, a man known for his patience as he allowed Wes Unseld to make bad decision after decision in the 90s.
It also goes into his “off-the-court” activities.
A fantastic book really.
I read that book and it was good. I don’t have anything against Michael, but I wonder what happens when the media and marketing machine stops for a mega athlete. It’s sort of like how boxers go back in the ring when they know they shouldn’t. It’s not the money, but the applause of the crowd. Without it, a lot of them become lost. That’s why I’m a huge Marvelous Marvin Hagler fan. Walked away, moved to Italy, and remained (as far as I know) happy with his life. Plus, he got robbed against Leonard (yeah, I said it!).
Definitley. Leonard lost to Hagler in my eyes. The judges confused activity for effectiveness. Leonard had nothing on any of those punches in the later rounds in the fight.
Jordan will be fine I think. He has done everything in his power to keep his privacy and stay away from the spotlight unlike magic. This marriage was sham fron the start. He has many business interests and his boys to keep him busy.
Juanita was negotiating with MJ for the last 4 years if you ask me. She knew he was a rolling stone when they were dating. Heck the same night Jordan drilled the jumper over a flailing Craig Ehlo he made his way to Cleveland’s Mirage on the Water where his main man Darrel Walker served as the go-between for female aspirants. They even have Jordan on tape trying to hook up with Hot 107.9’s on air personality CJ. Hot 107.9 aired the recording several times during that week. Let’s not even go into his attitude towards a young Kwame Brown. He gets kudos for his accomplishments on the basketball court and for creating a highly recognized brand. But those other areas, well let’s just say he’s no all-star.
marriage is hard work..what makes people think this is a sham..He married her, he dated her, he was the megga star..Who trapped who..These rich people need to be smarter, when you have something to loose, play with more people who have the same to loose. The problem is the rich have big ego’s and are often played by the smarter average american..Juanita tried to love him he just probably loved to many..He cheated and got caught..I’m glad she is strong enough to move on..Best wishes to both of them..I’m sure they both will have no problem finding new love…Hell, they could both buy it…However, the children deserve 2 loving parents and I’m sure they will do the best for their children….Good luck to both of them..
I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF MICHAEL JORDON FOR A LONG TIME DATING BACK BEFORE HE HIT THE BIG SHOT THAT MADE ME LIKE HIM EVEN MORE MARRIAGES ARE NOT MADE TO LAST FOREVER YOU GET WHAT YOU PUT INTO THE MARRIAGE JUANITA KNEW MICHAEL WAS TRYING TO BE A STAR THAT MEANT HER LIFE WAS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT ANYWAY SHE WOULD HAVE TO BE A SOLIDER TO
PUT UP WITH ALL THE WOMEN CHASING HIM STARS GET THAT ALL THE TIME AND I KNOW SHE WATCHED BASKETBALL GAMES BEFORE SHE KNOWS HOW IT WORKS BECAUSE SHE DID IT
I AM SORRY TO HERE ABOUT THE DIVORCE BUT IF YOU DO NOT WANT HIM I WILL TAKE HIM OFF YOUR HANDS BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN IN LOVE WITH MICHAEL SINCE COLLEGE I DID’T LIKE IT WHEN HE MARRIED HER ANYWAY SHE LOOKED TO BE TO OLD FOR HIM I DON’T THINK HE WAS ABLE TO ENJOY LIFE BECAUSE SHE GOT PREGANT HE WAS FORCED TO MARRY HER I STILL HOPED HE TOOK A DNA TEST JUST TO BE SAFE BECAUSE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A WAIST
Great article on BV. No truer words could have been spoken by Roy Johnson. The demise of a marriage is always unpleasant. I just wish the both of them the absolute best.
Thanks Roy for the article and the perspective. Your insight is honest,fair and appropriate and very well written. I was married for 18 years; 2 boys. Those eighteen years were among my 26 as a Naval Officer. The pressures of trying to balance family and career in a very demanding and dynamic environment was at times overwhelming. Yes, marriage is hard and without the boundless love of my Lord and Savior, support of friends and family I would stil be haunted by my failures and shortcomings. Marriage is hard. Marriage is extremely rewarding, too. But, without faith in your creator, regardless of religious persuation, discipline, patience and maturity it will be impossible for anyone’s marriage to be successful. I have moved on. My ex and I are friends. I am blessed. I’ll leave you with this, once during a chapel get acquainted period, a couple stood up to be recognized for their 47 years of marriage. When asked what their secret was, the husband replied, “we’ve only had one argument in all the time we’ve been together…it started 47 years ago”.
Mr. Johnson,
that was a very genuine and heartfelt article. I too choose not to judge a friend of mine. Michael and I played for the Bulls together in the 1986-87 season. He genuinely loved Juanita and she loved him as well. I know because they were not yet married and many women were chasing him. He consistently told me that he had a baby on the way and he was trying to do what’s right. I will be married to my wife for 19 years in July. We have 3 children. As a former NBA player, it is imperative that you work on your marriage because your options have a tendency to be many more than that of the average guy. Love for God, foundation for family, and forgiveness has allowed my marriage to succeed thus far( plus my wife is a saint). My parents will be married for 50 years on June 8, 2007. I have good role models and am still learning how to be a better husband. A great athlete is not made in a day and neither is a great marriage. They both take time. Let’s wish them well while considering ourselves.
Unbelievable! First Roy writes a wonderful piece. Then we receive the comments from two very special men, Wyndell and Steve Colter. I am not even going to dignify any comments regarding Mr. Jordan’s wife or the children they share. If Michael isn’t questioning whether or not these are his children, who are we to do that? You can only pray to God their children don’t read these types of comments. How could anyone even think of hurting the children? Unbelievable! Unless it was a shot gun wedding (I don’t believe he would be intimidated by anyone), he sure wasn’t forced to marry her. I choose to believe he loved her and she loved him. Now they are moving on and doing so with grace and dignity.
Look at the dignity in the manner of how Wyndell speaks of his past relationship. Look at the grace in which Steve Colter speaks of his marriage and his wife. I have been married to my husband for 16 years. It is a never ending process. We get up each day and agree to try it one more day, one day at a time. Oh, we have had our times. My husband is a talented musician (congas and percussion). I am sure he has been tempted on many occasions. I choose not to worry about it. We share our children, our faith and the joy of waking up each morning, by the grace of Almighty God. Will our marriage last a lifetime? Who can say? Yet, I look forward to another tomorrow with my head to the sky and the sun in my face. I am blessed!
Wonderful article! Very fair and most insightful. Having been married before, (twice) I can truly agree that there is nothing easy about marriage. Being selfless, and willing to put someone’s feelings, needs, and concerns above your own on a MINUTE by MINUTE basis when your every wish is at your disposal due to your income is close to impossible; Christian or not. But without a very solid foundation in Christ, you can completely forget it!!! Unless you want to mirror the “Doug Christie’s” relationship and keep up with one another 24/7, finding a way to trust your mate under these circumstances would prove stressful for the most maturist of couples. Perhaps Juanita always felt as though Michael felt ‘trapped’ into the decision to marry; perhaps Michael saw her as someone that could ‘ground him’. Whatever the reason, together they both managed to have three beautiful children, and Michael showed people of all backgrounds that nothing is impossible if you put your tongue out and just do it. At this stage in their lives, they have both built memories and histories that anyone coming behind them will find difficult to feel at ease moving in on; but every day we wake up; that means we have a second chance and they both will have my prayers as they live out the final chapters of their lives.
That was as interesting article about MJ’s divorce.I commend them both for waiting until the kids were near adulthood….that is not always possible.When relationships become a struggle rather than a joyful experience, then, it is time to end it. I wish the entire family a smooth transition and may God let their live continue to bloom.
Beginning with Ntouchwu, followed by: Steve, Wyndell, Lauretta they basically have stated my sentiments from the integrity and dignity of the article that Mr. Johnson wrote (much respect to you, Mr. Johnson) right through to the prayers, well wishes, and support from those listed above. I had to comment because being married to a high profile person myself, I can empathize with the Jordan family and the challenge to maintain a high profile marriage. The entire Jordan family will be in my prayers because like the article stated those who were insensitive and cold with their comments were probably observers of marriage rather than practitioners of marriage.
Mr. Johnson you will be in my prayers as well that you continue to handle with dignity and integrity the lives of those persons who are in the public eye, but many times people forget that they are human beings too.
One thing that we find throughout. this entire ordeal is that cirumstances surrounding the divorce remains private. I commend both Juanita and Michael for handling this matter with class and dignity. We should do the same and refrain from assumptions and outside speculation. Only they know the truth and they choose to keep it to themselves. I wish them the best.
one thing that we all have to keep in mind id that the love that they have shared for 17 years will alway be there in their three children. i think when you put your children first, it’s easy to settle things with class and dignity. i really think juanita has proved to me that she loved and will always love him and he her. sometimes things just don’t work out. i’m quiet sure that they will remain good friends and most importanly good parents. good luck to the both on them.
for all the years i watched mr mj played basketball i always admire the way he played the game an his love for it he is a rollmodel. he touch many hearts around the world even mines. i just hate to see mr jordan an mrs jordan departed i hope that they both can reconsider an get back together.
My mother and father were married for 52 years before he died. They said the secret to the success of their marriage was that they didn’t let the sun go down on their anger. Now, they might have stayed up all night getting the issue resolved, but when they went to sleep, that was it.. Never brought it up again. They started fresh the next day.
People don’t understand the purpose of marriage and fail miserably. Marriage is about God and what He purposes to do in the earth through the union of the couple. It’s not about the individuals, it’s about Him.
I’ve heard a lot of Michael interviews over the years and I never heard him thank God for anything. When truly, if any man was blessed, he was.
Sometimes fame and fortune can be a curse and a man can lose his way. But even a wealthy man needs God. One thing I do know, calamity and adversity don’t discriminate. They can visit any one… no matter what their station is in life.
I feel sorry for their children. Divorce hurts kids, even rich ones. Every child wants their parents to be able to work out their problems and avoid divorce. The sting never leaves them.
We see Michael on television looking very successful and prosperous. But things don’t make you happy. Who knows who he is when he’s alone at night in his bed? What is he thinking about?
I feel sad for him and his family. I pray that God will work it out.
To All of YOU with Comments on the Jordans:
The Jordan are human beings with problems like all of us: The Jordans have the means, and I am sure the love for their children. I am also SURE the JORDANS “don’t give a rat’s a_ _ about any of you. GET A LIFE !!!!!!