Indiana Pacers All-Star forward Paul George has settled a once nasty and prolonged paternity battle with the mother of his infant daughter.
Daniela Rajic, who according to the New York Post once worked as a stripper, gave birth to the seven-month-old girl back in April and seemingly ever since she and George had battled about her rearing.
Earlier this week, several media outlets reported George and the Queens woman have now reached a “joint parenting agreement” and child-support arrangement. George earns $18 million per season with the Pacers.
“They have reached an agreement with full joint custody and a financial package,” George’s attorney Harriet Newman Cohen told The Post. “They will be raising their daughter together. Paul George had always intended to do the right thing, and he is thrilled to have a daughter. The settlement is generous, the child is going to have a wonderful life, and both parents will be equally involved in bringing her up.”
While declining to disclose actual financial terms, Rajic’s lawyer Raoul Felder added “if this was baseball, they would say he stepped up to the plate.” He added Rajic will now be moving out of the Queens home she shares with her family to a residence in the New York City area that will allow George to make regular visits.
A two-time All-Star, George inked a five-year, $90 million extension with Indiana last year, only to be lost for at least most of this season due to a broken leg suffered while competing in a Team USA exhibition game in August. The 24-year-old George’s best season came last year when he averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists. In each of his first four NBA seasons, the former Fresno State star has raised his scoring average by at least four points.
Last month, George posted an Instagram picture of him kissing his daughter under the caption, “In love and blessed!!! My baby girl!”
[Photo Credit: Joseph Glorioso]