Filing bankruptcy is not an easy decision. But for those who want a fresh start, it's usually the best decision. We're big sports fans, particularly of our hometown Atlanta teams like the Major League Baseball Atlanta Braves, NBA Atlanta Hawks and the NFL Atlanta Falcons. We think it's really interesting to note some famous athletes who have used bankruptcy to stop lawsuits, garnishments, harassing creditors and to delay foreclosure.
From the NFL there was the Atlanta Falcon's Michael Vick, the Green Bay Packers' Johnny Unitas, the New Orleans Saints' Deuce McCallister and the New York Giant's Lawrence Taylor. Even former University of Georgia head football coach Jim Donnan has filed.
Tennis star Bjorn Born, winner of the U.S. Open, Wimbledon and many other major tennis championships, wiped out debt in a proceeding. And of course baseball greats Rollie Fingers and Jack Clark filed for bankruptcy protection.
Great boxers have also declared bankruptcy like Mike Tyson, Leon Spinks and Atlanta's own Evander Holyfield. So too did skating phenom Dorothy Hamill.
NBA All-Stars that have had their day in bankruptcy court include Latrell Sprewell, the Chicago Bulls' Scottie Pippen, and Kenny Anderson. And Sheryl Swoopes "the Michael Jordan of the WNBA" filed as well.
No matter the level of skill in any profession, bankruptcy is an available option that can provide some actual financial and emotional relief.