Who did Julius Erving have an affair with in 1979? Exploring troublesome history and illegitimate child

Julius Erving was still at the height of his basketball career when he had an affair with sports journalist Samantha Stevenson. Alexandra Stevenson, who became a tennis player years later, was the daughter born out of wedlock.

The basketball player tried to keep this part of his life hidden, but things came out in a stunning way for him.

In his book entitled "Dr. J." the four-time MVP detailed his relationship with Stevenson:

“She becomes someone who helps me unwind if I’m feeling high-strung or stressed. I can drive over and spend a relaxing evening that might even include oral sex.

A very interesting piece about Erving's time with Stevenson was also revealed:

“I can only remember one time that we actually had intercourse, and that was because she had just gotten this new orthodontia to straighten her teeth. With wire and gleaming metal bristling in her mouth, oral sex was not an option.”

"Dr.J" was selected for his eighth straight All-Star game in 1979. He was already a two-time champ with the ABA's New York Nets that year. In many ways, he was the sexy symbol of basketball and arguably the face of the NBA.

It wasn't extraordinarily stunning that the basketball superstar had an affair with someone.

How Alexandra Stevenson was conceived might not have offended some people, but how Julius Erving treated his daughter certainly infuriated those who knew the story.

---

Julius Erving stayed away from Alexandra Stevenson for more nearly 30 years

Julius Erving with daughter Alexandra Stevenson. [photo: ESPN]

In 1999, Alexandra Stevenson made headlines in the tennis world when he reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon. She lost to fellow American and eventual champion Lindsay Davenport.

The world, who wanted to know Stevenson's background, found out that she was the daughter of the former Philadelphia 76ers star.

Stevenson was already 19 years old when the identity of her father was revealed. But it wasn't until October 2008 that the father and daughter finally met for the first time.

For nearly 30 years, the great Julius Erving, who basketball stars go to for advice, refused to talk and even acknowledged Alexandra Stevenson.

The emotional meeting was documented via ESPN's "Reaching Out." Stevenson took the initiative to communicate with "Dr.J" to get to know him and to ask for assistance as she wanted to make a comeback in tennis.

The two have reportedly mended their relationship and are now frequently communicating with each other.

You might also like to read: What is the Julius "Dr. J" Erving trophy and why is it named after the legendary player? All you need to know