Michael Jordan and Wife File for Divorce

Michael Jordan’s wife, Juanita, filed for divorce on January 4th, citing irreconcilable differences after 12 years of marriage. Juanita Jordan is seeking full custody of their three children – Jeffrey, 13, Marcus, 11, and Jasmine, 9; the Jordans’ house in suburban Highland Park and half of the rest of their property. The Associated Press stated that the "six-page petition said attempts at reconciliation ‘would be impractical and not in the best interest of the family.’"

The couple met at a restaurant in Chicago during Jordan’s second season with the Chicago Bulls in 1985. They were married in Las Vegas on September 2, 1989. According to The Associated Press, the Jordan’s issued a statement asking for privacy "during this difficult time in our lives." Juanita Jordan’s lawyer, Donald Schiller, said the couple hopes "people try to respect" that their problems are a personal matter.

Jordan is one of the richest athletes in the world. He was paid more than $30 million in his final season with the Chicago Bulls. He now plays for the Washington Wizards. When retiring from the Bulls he stated he wanted to spend more time with his family. When he returned to basketball with the Wizards as an executive, he kept his home in Chicago, since he began playing for the Wizards he has been living in Washington full time.