The dedication of NBA players to their sport is widely known and respected, yet there have been numerous instances of athletes who have not shown the same level of loyalty to their partners. Despite their commitment to the game, some have been caught cheating on their spouses, leading to very public and often painful revelations. While their dedication to their sport is admirable, it appears that it may come at the expense of their personal lives.
This has caused many fans to question the commitment and loyalty of NBA players and has caused a lot of public backlash. It has also created a negative image of the sport, causing some people to question whether athletes should be held accountable for their personal lives.
“The Baller Wife’s Burden” has been a term for unfaithful NBA Players since the article by Danielle C. Belton. The personal lives of NBA players may seem glamorous and picture-perfect, but behind the scenes, some have struggled to maintain the same level of loyalty and commitment to their partners.
Here are 5 cases that have made headlines over the years, exposing the dark side of the NBA lifestyle. From superstar NBA players to rising stars, it seems no one is immune to the temptations and pressures of fame. While these players may be ballers on the court, they have not always made the best decisions off of it.
NBA Players Who Cheated on Their Spouses
1. Paul George
Paul George is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers. Nicknamed “PG-13”. According to his career statistics, he is considered a legend, unfortunately, he is rumoured to not keep the same energy in his relationships. He dated Callie Rivers, the daughter of the Los Angeles Clippers head coach, Doc Rivers.
Their relationship together was blissful and one of the crowds’ favorites until George allegedly had unprotected sex with an exotic dancer named Daniela, at a yacht party. It was also reported that he offered the Miami stripper the sum of one million dollars to terminate the pregnancy. Thank God, she didn’t take it.
Soon after a relationship with Daniella started and eventually the fans warmed up to them but George looked elsewhere again. Shortly after the birth of his baby girl Olivia, the new baby daddy was rumored to be dating another woman. Who just so happened to be the wife of his teammate Roy Hibbert. It’s a good thing Daniella has a forgiving heart because even after all his reported scandals they’re still a happy family with three children.
2. Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA), as a passionate basketballer he won championships in 2009 and 2010 and was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2011.
Lamar’s rumored infidelity towards Khloe Kardashian didn’t come in so much of a shock to the public, seeing as they got married less than a month after meeting each other. They were the perfect reality television couple who were happy for four good years but that happiness quickly shattered. The Kardashian later shared that Lamar cheated with another woman, not just on any day but her birthday, and that she had to lie to her family to cover for him.
Allegedly, Khloe getting suspicious of his lifestyle hired a private investigator to figure out what was going on and was supplied with evidence that Odom cheated on her with five different women, including two of his alleged mistresses, Polina Polonsky and Jennifer Richardson.
Odom, not being the best cheater, confirmed he cheated on the Kardashian during a drug-induced rap video he made. It was obvious their relationship was just for their TV audience because Lamar had no interest in being faithful to her and shortly after they divorced.
3. Lebron James – One Of The Greatest NBA Players
Lebron James another professional player for the Los Angeles Lakers team, is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and is often compared to Michael Jordan in debates over the greatest basketball player of all time. Shortly after LeBron James married his long-time girlfriend and the mother of his children, rumours of his infidelity hit the Internet.
READ MORE ON LEBRON JAMES’ BIOGRAPHY…
James reportedly cheated on Savannah, while they were together at the White House. The Miami Heat players were there to be congratulated by President Obama for their 2013 NBA Championship. It was reported that Lebron attempted to court Sports Illustrated topless covergirl Nina Agdal. He was also reportedly involved with up-and-coming singer Jasmine from Atlanta’s girl group XO, and allegedly following up with a Latin model Carmen Ortega for some time before his wedding.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Commonly known as Shaq is an American former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst on the television program inside the NBA. He played for six teams over his 19-year career and was also regarded as one of the best basketballers of all time.
In one of the weirdest things to ever happen on reality TV, on the show Basketball Wives, Laura, and Gloria Govan spoke about the alleged affair Laura had with Shaq in front of Shaq’s wife, Shaunie O’Neal. Like she wasn’t even there or married to Shaq.
Shaq claims to be a respectful cheater. He said of his marriage to Shaunie:
“At one time my ex-wife Shaunie and I were happy, but I admit it–I was a guy. I was a guy with too many options. Choosing to be with some of those women, well, that’s on me. In my mind, I never did it disrespectfully, but I shouldn’t have done it all.”
5. Michael Jordan
Also known by his initials MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. His profile on the official NBA website states that by acclamation, Michael is the greatest basketball player of all time. He currently makes more than he ever did as an active player and that’s a good thing because when Michael’s multiple affairs became public, the sports world’s most expensive divorce was added to Michael’s list of accomplishments.
TAKE A LOOK MICHEAL JORDAN’S BIOGRAPHY.
Jordan’s wife of 17 years, Juanita reportedly took home a sum of $168 million.
The National Enquirer ran a headline that Elin Nordegren warned Michael Jordan’s fianceé, Yvette Prieto, that marrying him would be a big mistake. Elin claims it was Jordan who taught his golf buddy, Tiger Woods, how to cheat on his wife.
Karla Knafel was one of Jordan’s mistresses and MJ allegedly offered her 5 million dollars to stay silent about the affair.
Final Words
The number of NBA players who have been unfaithful to their spouses is surprisingly high, and the list of those who have strayed from their marriage vows is both lengthy and shocking. However, here are a few of the most memorable cases that truly shook the sports world.
