Jordan v. Knafel
Appellate Court of Illinois
823 N.E.2d 1113 (2005)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Michael Jordan (plaintiff) had an intimate relationship with Karla Knafel (defendant). Soon after, Knafel became pregnant and believed Jordan was the father. Jordan agreed to pay Knafel $5 million when he retired from professional basketball, in exchange for Knafel agreeing to keep the relationship confidential and not to file a paternity suit against Jordan. Jordan filed suit, seeking to void the contract. Jordan claimed that the contract was unenforceable as against public policy. Knafel filed a counterclaim for breach of contract, seeking the $5 million payment. The trial court granted Jordan’s motion to dismiss Knafel’s counterclaim, finding the contract to be extortionate and against public policy. Knafel appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Theis, J.)
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