It was probably a bittersweet moment for Michael Jordan when his ex-wife Juanita Vanoy first filed for divorce on Jan 4, 2002, the same day the former Chicago Bulls star scored his 30,000th career point. Although they withdrew their case a month later, “irreconcilable circumstances” led to their final separation four years later. Although they have been sparsely in contact since, MJ was notably absent as the family got together for a dine-out on Thursday.

Juanita turned 65 this year. Marcus, Jeffrey, and Jasmine were all pictured together with their mother having dinner at an Italian restaurant, Carbone in NYC. Marcus uploaded an Instagram story where all four were seated on the dining table and penned the caption, “Happy Birthday Mom, You are our rock. We love you.”

Earlier, both her sons also wished her when she uploaded a picture of a birthday cupcake on her Instagram. Taking to the comments section, Marcus Jordan wrote, “Happy Birthday Mom!! We love you so much. You are our rock,” similar to the message he would share later.

Jeffrey also wrote, “Happy birthday mom! I love you,” in the comments section. Juanita has rarely missed the mark when it comes to extending her wishes on the big days of her children and she would be delighted to see that love being reciprocated.

Last month, she penned a heartfelt message to his son Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Radina A. Jordan, after they celebrated their five-year marriage anniversary. Under an Instagram post by Jeffrey, she wrote, “To my son & daughter-in-law: Happy Anniversary, may you have many more anniversaries ahead. Love you both.”

Apart from this, she regularly posts heartwarming messages whenever any of her children are celebrating a birthday. However, in the recent celebrations, Vanoy’s ex-husband was missing from the pictures shared online.

Notably, this isn’t the first time Jordan hasn’t joined Vanoy on her birthday. Reportedly, post-divorce in 2006, the couple has remained on speaking terms, which could be one reason why his absence was noted. This year, Jordan has a reason to be absent from the occasion as he has his eyes set on a prize in the deep sea fishing competition.

Michael Jordan to enter fishing competition with his 82-ft Bayliss boat

An NBA legend, high-stakes golfer and a NASCAR team co-owner, there is no end to Michael Jordan’s competitive spirit. In 2020, Jordan participated in the Big Rock Blue Marlin fishing tournament while boarding the 80ft Viking boat. He and his companions reeled in a 442-pound fish and now he is back at the same competition this year, with his “Catch 23” yacht.

“Michael Jordan is in North Carolina this week with his new 82-foot Bayliss fishing boat. Jordan will compete against 300 other boats for a $7.5 million purse at the Big Rock Blue Marlin fishing tournament. “Pretty cool,” shared Joe Pompliano on his X account on 11 June.

Last year as well, Jordan took part in the 32nd annual MidAtlantic Fishing Tournament in Cape May, New Jersey. Aboard the ‘Catch 23’, Jordan’s crew caught a 75-pound marlin and placed third in the white marlin division. They also won a little over $460,000 in prize money.

Jordan will be hoping for similar luck this time as he gears up for another competition. Meanwhile, his children and ex-wife are having fun on their own.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.