“If That Is What I Have to Be, Then I Will Be a B***h”: Michael Jordan’s Ex-Wife Juanita Tried Her Best to Protect Their Marriage Years Before Filing for Divorce

Professional sports usually take a toll on an athlete’s personal life. The intense schedules, traveling, and other factors make it difficult for a sportsperson to maintain a good work-life balance. Some people get used to it, some don’t. This not only affects the athlete in question but their families as well. On top of possibly being the GOAT, Michael Jordan was one of the most intense personalities in the sports world. His dedication and commitment to basketball were second to none.

However, these things took a toll on his personal life. Around 10 years before filing for divorce, MJ’s ex-wife Juanita Vanoy revealed how she had to make sure the family stayed together. “I have no problem saying no,” Juanita said. She continued, “If someone didn’t step up and say no, there would be no time for his family… I know it makes me look like a b***h, but I can’t worry about it, because I’m protecting what we have.”

Juanita had filed for divorce in 2002 but the couple reconciled before eventually parting ways for good in 2006. At the time, it was one of the biggest divorce settlements in American history.

Michael Jordan and his passion for basketball

MJ’s intensity played a major role in his first retirement. He wanted to step away from the limelight and be there for his family. However, that was a short-lived retirement and he made his return to win three more championships before hanging up his boots for the second time.

Similarly to his last retirement, Jordan again wanted to spend more time with his family, but his love for basketball couldn’t let him be away from the sport for long.

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Jordan returned as the president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards in 2000. He simply couldn’t keep away from the court for long and played two full seasons with the Wizards. At the same time, Juanita filed for divorce from Jordan.

The Jordans had to move on

While MJ found love again in the form of his current wife, Yvette Prieto, Juanita took care of the kids till they went their own ways. Despite their divorce being very public, the two still have mutual respect for each other. The 6x NBA champion and the owner of the Charlotte Hornets can be seen watching games occasionally. Juanita has to be credited for keeping her marriage with MJ intact for so long. As she had reiterated in 1992, “If that is what I have to be, then I will be a b***h.”

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Nonetheless, everyone has moved on since and they now live their own lives. What are your thoughts on Juanita trying to save the marriage years before eventually filing for divorce? Let us know in the comments below.