Children often want to be like their parents. But why did Michael Jordan‘s ex-wife not want their children to be copies of their father? Well, she had a good reason.

Their son Marcus played hoops in high school and college, just like his big brother, but neither of them went into the NBA. From 2009 to August 2012, Marcus played for the University of Central Florida. After that, he quit the team. Juanita revealed that she did not want her sons to follow their father, but instead to make a new identity and develop other skills. 

Michael Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls for thirteen years and wore the number 23 jersey. In a 2013 interview with ‘Crain’s Chicago Business’, she claimed that in high school coaches always wanted her kids to wear jersey no. 23 but she did not let them wear this number.

She said, “The coaches always wanted them to wear the number 23. Because their dad was number 23. But it was important to me that they learn not to try to be their dad. They needed to understand that they had to develop their own skills. And they needed to work hard and learn how to manage their own challenges on their own. And so I would insist that they not wear number 23 and the boys understood that right away.”

“When they came home with jersey number 23, I immediately say ‘you don’t want to wear that number because that’s your dad’s number. And you want to establish yourself as an athlete, with your own identity ad your own number.'”

Vanoy took care of the kids, while the famous former Chicago Bulls winner worked on his renowned career. Even though the famous player had a lot of work to do, he was a good father and spent time with his kids. On the other hand, things changed when Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy separated in 2006. The ex-couple divorced and shared parenting of their children while they were living in Chicago. The fresh start for the family changed everything, including Michael’s bond with his kids.

Read More: Ex-Wife Juanita on How Michael Jordan Influenced Even His Own Kids’ Career

The divorce between Michael Jordan and his first wife

Juanita Vancoy and Michael’s separation isn’t clear because neither of them has talked about it in public. So, other than the fact that they legally split because they had “irreconcilable differences,” we don’t know a lot more.

The couple’s official statement from 2006 merely read: “Michael and Juanita Jordan mutually and amicably decided to end their 17-year marriage. A judgment for the dissolution of their marriage was entered today. There will be no further statements.”

Vancoy received one of the biggest divorce settlements in sports history. While Jordan kept their Chicago mansion, Vancoy received $168 million. After their split, she wanted to establish her business but decided to prioritize her kids. But now that her three kids are adults, she opened her business- a luxury online resale boutique called Juanita World.

Read More: Michael Jordan’s Ex-Wife Helps Son Marcus Leverage Father’s $5.1 Billion Brand