Still want to be like Mike?

It was reported on Wednesday that Michael Jordan had filed a lawsuit in Cook Country Circuit Court in Illinois against a woman who allegedly attempted to extort money from the legendary basketball star.

The lawsuit claimed that the woman was originally paid $250,000 to keep quiet concerning an affair they had been involved in a decade ago, and that she had recently demanded $5 million to prevent her from going public with the accusations.

With the regular season just beyond the horizon, this isn't how the Wizards envisioned starting anew.

Jordan, who is the centerpiece of the Washington Wizards, has been scrutinized for his behavior off the court before.

His exorbitant gambling problem has been well-documented throughout his career. The six-time NBA Finals MVP has been known to gamble away six-figures in a single night.

To Jordan there never has been such a thing as a friendly game of poker. Part of it is from his competitive nature -- there is no one who wants to win more than his Airness. Part of it comes from the thrill -- who doesn't feel the excitement that comes from risk-taking?

Jordan's golf game has also been subject to criticism. There have been reports that Jordan can fly off the handle after a round on the course. That's understandable considering how golf can humble just about anyone (think Colin Montgomerie).

There's nothing wrong with blowing money that's expendable or letting off steam every now and then. However, there is something morally erroneous about infidelity, no matter who we are talking about.

I'm a little disappointed in Jordan for his faux pas, although athletes that make terrible decisions at a young age are now the standard.

Of course this article never would have been written if Jordan's level of play had out shadowed his myriad of troubles during the preseason.