Jordan v. Knafel
Appellate Court of Illinois
823 N.E.2d 1113 (2005)
Michael Jordan (plaintiff) had a relationship with Karla Knafel (defendant), who became pregnant and believed Jordan was the father; Jordan agreed to pay Knafel $5 million upon his retirement from basketball in exchange for her keeping the relationship confidential and not filing a paternity suit. Jordan later sued to void the agreement as against public policy, and Knafel counterclaimed for breach of contract seeking the $5 million. The trial court dismissed Knafel's counterclaim, finding the contract extortionate and contrary to public policy; Knafel appealed.
Whether an agreement is void as against public policy if it is not clearly contrary to judicially or statutorily declared public policy, and is not manifestly injurious to the public welfare.