Oregon man sues Michael Jordan, Nike for resemblance
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Bill Jempty | Monday, July 10, 2006 |
From KGW.com
A Northeast Portland man is suing basketball superstar Michael Jordan and Nike founder Phil Knight for a combined $832 million. Allen Heckard filed the suit himself, June 29th in Washington County Court. Heckard says he’s been mistaken as Michael Jordan nearly every day over the past 15 years and he’s tired of it.
“I’m constantly being accused of looking like Michael and it makes it very uncomfortable for me,†said Heckard.
Heckard is suing Jordan for defamation and permanent injury and emotional pain and suffering. He’s suing Knight for defamation and permanent injury for promoting Jordan and making him one of the most recognized men in the world.
Heckard stands just over six feet tall. He is not six foot six like the real Michael Jordan. But Heckard says many people seem to miss that. He does share a bit of resemblance to the real Michael Jordan. Heckard has a shaved head, an earring in his left ear, and is in good shape from working out, and yes, playing basketball.
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The question remains – is the occasional confusion with an admired celebrity worth $800 million.
“Well,†said Heckard, “You never can put a value on a person’s life. You know you’re taking my lifestyle away from me. So you know…we’ll let the ball bounce like Michael does…where it’s supposed to fall.”
My father had a saying- “It takes all sorts of people to make up the world and if you live long enough, you’ll meet every single one of them.”
Someone needs to check Mr. Heckard’s meds. If not, get him medicated.
