While many have speculated about Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan as the epitome of greatness, he has always been expected to behave a certain way. So, over the years, fans began to know His Airness’ flaws, relationships, and affairs. One of them was with Karla Knafel.
However, Michael Jordan paid Knafel a quarter of a million just to keep their affair a secret from the public and media. Jordan married his beloved mistress, whom he knew from his days at the UNC Tar Heel, and separated from his wife. There was a lot of drama in his marriage. MJ’s flirtation was easy to imagine when, before his wedding, he wrote a 20-page letter to actress Amy Hunter apologizing for no longer being able to maintain a relationship with her.
Michael Jordan’s affair with Karla Knafel
Now, let’s shed some light on MJ’s secret affair: In 2002, Karla Knafel attempted to extort approximately $5 million from Michael Jordan. It turned out that she and Jordan had had an affair more than a decade earlier, in the early ’90s and to keep their relationship a secret, the six-time champion paid her $250,000. Ten years later, Knafel attempted to obtain more millions of dollars from Jordan. He then filed a lawsuit against her, and although he admitted to paying her a quarter of a million dollars, he never paid another penny afterward, according to the lawsuit.
A judge refused Karla Knafel the $5 million he demanded when a DNA test revealed their child was not Jordan’s.
Although Jordan could be considered the greatest player of all time who conquered the league with his presence, he certainly had his weaknesses off the court. An indication that he was just human and desperately wanted to enjoy life without being constantly judged by others.
Knowing this, which Michael Jordan controversy would you rank number 1? Let us know in the comments below.