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Michael Jordan, Despite Being Married 17 Years, Was Reportedly Dating Lakers Star, Rick Fox’s, Wife, Vanessa Williams

Samir Mehdi
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Michael Jordan, Despite Being Married 17 Years, Was Reportedly Dating Lakers Star, Rick Fox’s, Wife, Vanessa Williams

Michael Jordan met Juanita Vanoy in 1985 at a Bulls game and the UNC graduate knew instantly there was than more than just a connection. In a mere 2 years’ time, Jordan would get down on one knee and propose to Juanita in 1987 before eventually tying the knot in 1989. 

They would suffer a hiccup prior to their marriage when Michael refused to believe that their first son, Jeffrey, was his own son. After a paternity test, it was proven that Jeffrey Jordan was indeed the 6x NBA champion’s son. 

Both Michael and Juanita would stay married for 17 years before officially splitting from one another in December of 2006. Juanita actually filed for divorce in 2002 but decided to rescind her petition in an attempt to reconcile. Though, 4 years down the line, they would be divorced, officially.

Also read: “You Free Loading Here, Rachel Nichols?”: Michael Jordan Once Asked Young ESPN Reporter a Question That Helped Kick-start Her Career

Michael Jordan and Vanessa Williams might have had a relationship 

According to private investigator, Ernie Rizzo, Michael Jordan engaged in extramarital activities over a dozen times while still married to Juanita Vanoy. So, when rumors began to swirl that the Bulls legend might’ve also been with actress Vanessa Williams, it wasn’t all too surprising. 

According to an article from the Washington Post in 2002, rumors had officially been circulating that Vanessa Williams was seeing the one and only, Michael Jordan. 

Williams has had quite a few high-profile relationships, with 2 of the more prominent ones having been Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lakers star, Rick Fox. Fox and Williams were actually married from 1999-2004 and share a child together. 

So, if the rumors were true about Michael and Vanessa, it would land their ‘entanglement’ right in the middle of the latter’s marriage to Rick Fox. 

Michael Jordan would eventually move on from Juanita Vanoy 

Michael Jordan, following his 2 decade+ relationship with Juanita Vanoy, would eventually fall in love with Cuban model, Yvette Prieto while at a nightclub. The two would get married in 2013 and have since been happily married for close to 10 years now. 

The two even share twin daughters, Ysabel and Victoria, adding to Jordan’s existing number of children which was 3: Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine. 

Also read: Juanita Vanoy, Who Received $168 Million From Michael Jordan, Revealed Ex-Husband Wanted Marcus Jordan To Be A Girl

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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