"I want to give back to kids" - Michael Jordan proudly donated $8.9 million after winning supermarket lawsuit in 2015

Even after retiring from the NBA, Michael Jordan has remained a strong and determined figure. Off the court, he is just as careful about his rights as he was about his game. One story from 2015 shows how seriously he protects his personal identity.

Jordan’s actions sent a clear message about defending personal rights and giving back to the community at the same time.

Michael Jordan wins $8.9 million lawsuit against Dominick’s in 2015

The case began in Chicago, Illinois, where Michael Jordan, the Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion, noticed his name was used without permission. The Chicago-based supermarket chain Dominick’s, a subsidiary of Safeway that later closed in 2013, ran an advertisement in 2011 featuring Jordan’s name to promote a meat sale in a Sports Illustrated special issue.

Jordan’s legal team said the chain had no right to use his name.

The supermarket first offered a settlement of about $126,900, but Michael Jordan’s lawyers argued that the sum should match the real advertising value of his name. After the court reviewed the case, Jordan won $8.9 million. ESPN reported his comments after the verdict, saying, “No one, whether or not they’re a public figure, should have to worry about their identity being used without their permission.”

Jordan added, “I hope this case sends a clear message…that I will continue to be vigilant about protecting my name and identity.”

Michael Jordan donates the proceeds and supports Chicago children

Michael Jordan made it clear that the lawsuit was not about money. Instead, it was about integrity, honesty, and defending his personal rights. He pledged to donate the full $8.9 million to 23 charities in Chicago that support children’s health, education, and well-being. In a news release shared with ABA Journal, Jordan said, “Chicago has given me so much, and I want to give back to its kids, the city’s future.”Jordan, now 62, is not only a legendary basketball player but also a cultural icon who uses his platform to make a difference. The Dominick’s case shows how he defends his rights and uses victories to help others. Also Read: 'Motherf**ker' - Shaquille O’Neal’s fiery clash with Pat Riley abruptly ends his Miami Heat careerHis careful attention to personal identity also comes amid other legal challenges, such as his 2015 lawsuit in China against Qiaodan Sports, which uses his name and number 23 without permission. This story originally appeared on ESPN and ABA Journal and highlights Michael Jordan’s commitment to personal rights, community support, and integrity both on and off the court.