Michael Jordan and his wife, Juanita, divorced Friday after 17
years of marriage.
"Michael and Juanita Jordan mutually and amicably decided to end
their 17 year marriage," the couple said in a statement issued
through their lawyers. "A judgment for dissolution of their
marriage was entered today. There will be no further
statements."
Michael Jordan's lawyer, Frederick J. Sperling, declined
comment.
Court documents filed Friday with the Lake County Circuit Court
revealed that the couple cited"irreconcilable differences have
caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage." The couple said
attempts to reconcile had failed and future ones "would be
impractical and not in the best interests of the family."
Juanita Jordan previously filed for divorce in January 2002, but
withdrew her petition a month later as the couple decided to
attempt a reconciliation.
The couple met at a Chicago restaurant during his second season
with the Bulls and were married Sept. 2, 1989, in Las Vegas. They
have three children: Jeffrey, 18, Marcus, 16, and Jasmine, 14.
Michael Jordan, 43, lives in Chicago; Juanita Jordan, 47, lives
in Highland Park, Ill.
The Jordans, who have lived separately since February, will
share custody of their children, according to court documents.
"The co-petitioners acknowledge that although their marriage is
ending, they desire to resolve all of the issues surrounding the
dissolution of marriage in the most amicable, expeditious and
private fashion possible, for the benefit of themselves and their
children," the documents read.
Jordan, a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, led the Bulls to
six NBA titles and was a five-time league MVP.
(China Daily via AP December 30, 2006)