Divorce is heard, but these professional athletes had to have their’s paraded in front of the entire media.
While we love to follow the highs and lows of our favorite athletes on the field, sometimes their off-the-field dramas grab the headlines, especially those heart-wrenching, wallet-busting divorces. So, buckle up as we dive into the top 10 most notorious breakups in the sports world.
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
No list of athletic breakups is complete without Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren. This 2010 split was splashed across every tabloid, following revelations of Woods’ infidelities. The golf icon’s image took a massive hit, and the divorce settlement was reported to be in the whopping $100 million range.
Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy
Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s divorce from Juanita Vanoy in 2006 ended their 17-year marriage. The divorce settlement was considered one of the largest in sports history at that time, with Juanita reportedly receiving over $150 million.
Alex Rodriguez and Cynthia Scurtis
The marriage of MLB star Alex Rodriguez and Cynthia Scurtis slid into a split after six years in 2008. Post-divorce, Rodriguez faced a series of public image struggles, and the settlement included both alimony and child support, making it one of baseball’s most talked-about breakups.
Lance Armstrong and Kristin Richard
This Tour de France champion’s split from Kristin Richard in 2003 took a slice out of his wholesome image. Their marriage ended after five years, just as Armstrong was basking in his cycling victories, setting the stage for more personal challenges to come.
RELATED: 10 Of The Most Embarrassing Moments In Sports History
Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Laine Bryant
In a twist, this story has a happier ending. NBA superstar Kobe Bryant’s marriage to Vanessa Laine Bryant nearly ended in 2011 when she filed for divorce. But love won in the end, and they reconciled in 2013, reminding us all that sometimes love does conquer all.
Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie Nelson
Shaq and Shaunie’s 2009 divorce was a slam dunk in the gossip columns. The split was rife with accusations and rumors, shaking up the basketball world. The settlement and custody details only added to the spectacle.
Brett Favre and Deanna Favre
Brett Favre, the NFL legend, nearly fumbled his marriage when his wife Deanna filed for divorce amid rumors of infidelities and personal struggles. The couple managed to work through their issues, but not before the media had a field day.
RELATED: Fists Fly At A California High School Basketball Game When Ref Throws Punches At A Coach
Andre Agassi and Brooke Shields
This tennis star and Hollywood actress’s split in 1999 might not have been as costly as others, but it sure did create buzz. Agassi and Shields’ divorce was filled with revelations about the pressures of fame and the struggles they faced in their careers.
Greg Norman and Laura Andrassy
Golf great Greg Norman’s divorce from Laura Andrassy in 2006 was a hole-in-one for scandal enthusiasts. The divorce settlement reportedly cost Norman over $100 million, making it one of the most expensive in the golfing world.
Chad Johnson and Evelyn Lozada
NFL player Chad Johnson’s marriage to Evelyn Lozada ended after just 41 days in 2012, following an arrest for domestic battery. This short-lived marriage was a whirlwind of drama, leaving both their reputations in the mud.
From multi-million dollar settlements to tabloid tales, these divorces remind us that sometimes, the most challenging games our favorite athletes play happen far from the cheering crowds. Let’s hope for happier days ahead for these sports icons.