Juanita Vanoy and Michael Jordan’s wedding life was the most carefully watched one. Their relationship was filled with controversies from the very start. With time, it only got worse and the two eventually parted ways. Despite Jordan sacrificing his mental health for Vanoy, their 17-year-long wedding ended in the largest divorce settlement.
Just a year after playing his debut game, Jordan met Vanoy in a Bennigan’s restaurant in Chicago. Interestingly, Vanoy herself was a basketball fan who played during high school. Additionally, she also watched Jordan play the same evening when they met. A mutual friend played the role of a cupid for the two and their love was evident in the early days.
#OnThisDayInVegas in 1989, NBA basketball star Michael Jordan weds Juanita Vanoy at the Little White Chapel.⚓️ pic.twitter.com/3yIYmMYLwm
— Captain Steve (@CaptainSteve20) September 2, 2016
Vanoy played an important role in Jordan’s life and was present throughout his NBA career. This is why, her absence in the docuseries ‘The Last Dance‘ got everyone furious. During Jordan’s career, his gambling habit which he refused to accept as a problem, made headlines often. He was willing to quit this habit to save his marriage with Vanoy.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Jordan revealed that Vanoy wanted to go out with him at night more often. However, he “lost the desire to go out” with her. Furthermore, he admitted that he used to force himself to go as he knew that Vanoy would feel bad about it. Additionally, Jordan believed that Vanoy deserved his undivided attention and time.
Juanita Vanoy allegedly felt she could not get Michael Jordan’s attention
Even before Juanita Vanoy and Michael Jordan walked down the aisle, their relationship was carefully watched by media and fans. Their first child Jeffrey Jordan was welcomed out of wedlock, and Jordan had to plead with the media to keep the birth a secret. He was likely worried about what people would think and wanted to keep his public image clean.
During the same time, Vanoy allegedly admitted to her attorney that she felt like she could not get his attention or cooperation. The attorney recalled, “She felt she could not get Michael’s attention or cooperation or response without the retention of a legal representative.” Additionally, he revealed that the two were having a tough time communicating.
Nonetheless, their turbulent marriage was evident for decades. Jordan’s gambling and allegedly cheating on Vanoy made headlines more often than not. Even though it was hard for Vanoy and Jordan to break the news of their divorce to their children, they likely saw it coming.