Tuesday, May. 19, 2009

Aren't You the Guy from Space Jam?

Apparently not everyone wants to be like Mike. In 2006, Allen Heckard of Portland, Ore., sued Michael Jordan for $416 million on the grounds that his resemblance to the hoops legend caused emotional pain and suffering, defamation and permanent injury. (He sued Nike for the same amount, faulting them for making Jordan a celebrity.)

Heckard, who stands about 6 in. shorter than His Airness, said he could not attend religious services, ride public transportation, play sports in public parks or eat at a restaurant without getting mistaken for the former Chicago Bulls guard. Maybe Heckard's shaved head, earring and Air Jordan sneakers had something to do with that? "I'm constantly being accused of looking like Michael, and it makes it very uncomfortable for me," Heckard said. "Even when I go to the gym I'm being accused of playing ball like him." Yes, it's easy to see how that would cause emotional pain and suffering. Heckard eventually dropped the suit.