Michael Jordan’s Father James Accused His Wife Deloris Jordan of ‘Assassinating’ His Character

The biggest mistake Michael Jordan made after his success was going into business with his family. James Jordan, Michael’s father, and Larry together worked on the Flight 23 project where Nike opened up exclusive Jordan stores. However, the project failed miserably.

A major reason for it was James. Michael’s father was using the money for the project to fuel his personal interests. Moreover, he was also indulging in extra-marital relationships. When all of this came to the forefront, Nike closed the Flight 23 project and Michael Jordan vowed to never do business with his family again.

However, that wasn’t the only repercussion of the entire incident. It also ruined the relationship between James and Deloris. Something that eventually led James to accuse Deloris of running his image in front of their children.

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James Jordan worried Deloris was making their children hate him

After the Flight 23 fiasco, James and Larry started another business. However, this was yet another failure. The loss of capital deeply hurt the family. Especially Deloris, who was infuriated by her husband’s miscalculations.

Roland Lazenby, author of Michael Jordan: The Life, in his book, revealed how James was worried Deloris was turning their kids against him.

Lazenby: “The businesses he had started with Larry after the Flight 23 fiasco were now failing, as authorities moved in to collect unpaid taxes and suppliers began removing items from store shelves over unpaid bills. He was engaged in a furious battle with Deloris; joint bank accounts were closed, thus destroying the final shred of credit for his business. Payroll was unmade, and each phone call from his secretary seemed to bring yet more troubles. According to his older daughter, her father wearily complained to his children that his wife was trying to ruin him in the eyes of his children.”

James’ death distanced Michael Jordan from his family

At first, the fight between James and Deloris impacted Michael Jordan deeply. He began to spend more of his free time on golf courses gambling away his money.

But things worsened between Michael and his family following James’ tragic death. MJ missed his father a lot. And in his grief, he distanced himself from the rest of his family.

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