MJ scores vindication in legal dispute against ex-lover

CHICAGO -- An Illinois appellate court has ruled in favor of Michael Jordan in a five-year legal dispute between the former basketball great and an ex-lover.

Karla Knafel (k-NAY'-fel) alleged Jordan agreed to pay her $5 million to keep their affair quiet and not file a paternity lawsuit after she discovered she was pregnant in 1991.

Jordan denied promising to pay $5 million and sued Knafel in 2002, claiming attempted extortion.

Paternity tests later showed Jordan was not the child's father.

Wednesday's ruling affirms last year's circuit court decision in which a Cook County judge said any possible agreement between the two was "unenforceable."

Jordan's attorney Frederick Sperling says he's pleased Jordan has been vindicated.

Knafel's attorney Blake Hannafan says he plans to ask the state Supreme Court for an appeal.