Next month in West Palm Beach, Michael Jordan will wed his longtime girlfriend Yvette Prieto. However, things could have gotten a little awkward if a paternity suit filed by a woman, who alleged that she had a relationship with in 1995 proved to have some merit. On Tuesday Reuters reported that Pamela Smith, dropped the suit, which alleged that her son, who was conceived while Jordan was still married to his previous wife Juanita, was an heir to Air Jordan and part of his vast fortune.
Pamela Smith, 48, filed a paternity suit against Jordan last month seeking child support. Jordan denies he is the father of the child and has also filed a counterclaim seeking sanctions against Smith for making false claims.
Smith acknowledged in a previous divorce proceeding that her now ex-husband is the father of the child, according to Jordan's lawyers.
The case has not been settled, Smith's attorney, Randy Kessler, told Reuters on Monday. His client has voluntarily dismissed the case "without prejudice" which means she can re-file it later if she chooses, Kessler added.
"She began this case without an attorney and did her best to file what she believed to be a legally appropriate case," Kessler said.
"She then hired our firm just before the first court appearance. Ms. Smith has relied on our advice and determined that dismissal at this time, without prejudice, is in her son's best interests," he said.
A Jordan rep has gone so far as to squash all suspicions by telling the Associated Press that Jordan didn't make any secret financial arrangement with Smith. Jordan's previous 17-year marriage was plagued by constant rumors of his philandering ways. Tiger Woods' ex-wife Elin Nordegren griped that Jordan's influence caused Tiger Woods to become more "Like Mike" off the court as well. Jordan dodged a bullet this time, but hopefully Jordan's gotten wiser with age and avoids stepping outside his next marriage. Breathe easy, M.J.
