Portland man sues Michael Jordan; says he is often mistaken for basketball great
Allen Heckard says his likeness to basketball legend Michael Jordan has made it impossible for him to lead a normal life.
Everywhere the 51-year-old Northeast Portland man goes, it seems, hes mistaken for Jordan -- even though he's three inches shorter and about 20 pounds lighter, according to his Oregon drivers license.
Heckard had enough so he filed a lawsuit in Washington County Circuit Court against Jordan, claiming his resemblance to the star has created a hardship for him. Hes asking for a whopping $400 million.
He also named Nike founder Phil Knight because he says Knight helped make Jordan a star.
Heckard wasnt talking when The Oregonian reached him at his home this morning, but he told KGW hes constantly being accused of looking like Michael and it makes it very uncomfortable for me."
And the harassment goes beyond his looks.
Even the way he plays basketball draws comparisons to the six-time NBA champ, he said.
Don't get me wrong, it's definitely a positive thing, because Michael, like I say, is one of the best ballplayers that I've known to play the game, he said. But then again, that's Michael and I'm me. So I want to be recognized as me just like Michael's being recognized as Michael."
Allen Heckard says his likeness to basketball legend Michael Jordan has made it impossible for him to lead a normal life.
Everywhere the 51-year-old Northeast Portland man goes, it seems, hes mistaken for Jordan -- even though he's three inches shorter and about 20 pounds lighter, according to his Oregon drivers license.
Heckard had enough so he filed a lawsuit in Washington County Circuit Court against Jordan, claiming his resemblance to the star has created a hardship for him. Hes asking for a whopping $400 million.
He also named Nike founder Phil Knight because he says Knight helped make Jordan a star.
Heckard wasnt talking when The Oregonian reached him at his home this morning, but he told KGW hes constantly being accused of looking like Michael and it makes it very uncomfortable for me."
And the harassment goes beyond his looks.
Even the way he plays basketball draws comparisons to the six-time NBA champ, he said.
Don't get me wrong, it's definitely a positive thing, because Michael, like I say, is one of the best ballplayers that I've known to play the game, he said. But then again, that's Michael and I'm me. So I want to be recognized as me just like Michael's being recognized as Michael."
