Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa filed for divorce back in December 2011, so it seemed logical his Los Angeles Lakers teammates would be the only ones keeping him company on Valentine’s Day. Surprisingly, his estranged wife showed up to cheer him on during the game on Feb. 14.
Is this a sign that things are on the mend between Kobe and Vanessa? Or are they doomed to follow in the footsteps of other high profile NBA divorces?
Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra
The quickie marriage between NBA oddball and forward Dennis Rodman and “Baywatch” star Carmen Electra took place in Las Vegas in 1998. Six months later, she filed for divorce. Though the split was friendly to public eyes, rumors flew that Rodman’s non-stop partying and infidelity played into Electra’s decision to end the brief union.
Michael and Juanita Jordan
The 2006 divorce between former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan and his wife, Juanita, was surprising in many ways. A marriage spanning almost two decades, 17 years to be exact, is not easily cast aside. And then there’s the matter of the former NBA star’s massive fortune amassed during his playing days and through endorsements. The divorce cost him roughly a third of his worth, or $168 million–and that’s with a prenuptial agreement!
Jason and Joumana Kidd
Slanderous allegations flew in both directions during the 2007 divorce of New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd and his wife, Joumana. Each accused the other of guerrilla tactics in the relationship, brought on by possible violence, jealousy, and control issues. At one point, the Nets even banned Joumana from the arena, as she had been a very influential and visible person in the organization before the divorce. This very public divorce was a nasty one.
Tony Parker and Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria filed for divorce from San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker in 2010 after three years of marriage. The “Desperate Housewives” star’s decision to proceed with divorce came as a minor shock, since the couple seemed to enjoy a happy marriage. Parker’s alleged infidelity may have moved Longoria to separate, but those rumors were frequently shot down. Longoria was often seen supporting Parker and the Spurs from the sidelines, even having is jersey number tattooed on her neck.
Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian
If he wasn’t famous as the Nets forward, Kris Humphries became a household name when he started dating Kim Kardashian. Their whirlwind relationship turned into a public marriage on Kim’s show, “Kourtney and Kim Take New York”. The marriage lasted for 72 of the 365 days in the year 2011 before the reality star filed for divorce from her husband. Speculation swirled that their relationship and subsequent marriage was all a publicity stunt for the Kardashian family. Humphries, meanwhile, must continue on with basketball.
Will Kobe and Vanessa Make It?
Only time will tell. They’ve already flirted with divorce once, after Kobe was accused of sexual assault in 2003 and admitted to adultery. That fire was squelched when Kobe bought Vanessa a shiny ring, and charges were later dropped. After 10 years of marriage, though, infidelity is again an issue. Kobe’s nine lives may have already run out.
Ashley Raybourn is a sports enthusiast and softball player who enjoys the blurred line between athlete and celebrity culture. She currently covers the Olympics and has written on celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston.