Michael Jordan was recently hit with a paternity suit from Pamela Smith, who claims that the basketball great fathered her child in 1996, a claim which Jordan denies. Jordan spokesperson Estee Portnoy sent out a public statement addressing the story and claiming the boy's paternity was previously determined.

"Public records show that the paternity of the child was established in a prior case in this same court many years ago and that Michael Jordan is not the father. He also filed a counterclaim seeking sanctions for the false claims made against him. It is unfortunate that well-known figures are the target of these kind of claims. Michael Jordan will vigorously defend himself and his reputation."

Jordan added that he thought the lawsuit was a "shameless, bad faith attempt to abuse the legal system."

Smith's publicist, April Love, shot back at Jordan's statement, saying "Pamela had no choice but to support her son and his desire to forge a relationship with his father. That's why she is now speaking out and prompting Michael to do the right thing."

Source: Bossip