Kobe & Vanessa: The Good Wife, The Purple Diamond, Snitches & More

Why do women who marry professional athletes expect fidelity? Don’t get me wrong, in no ways am I saying, nor do I believe that “all” men cheat. But in the words of the great Chris Rock – a man is as faithful as his options. And when you are a professional athlete raking in millions a year – it’s fair to say that you’ve got options x 10! For that reason, I’m shocked that Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences with his cheating being the top issue. Sources close to the Bryant’s say that Vanessa has caught him with multiple women over the years, but after his latest affair “enough was enough”. To Vanessa I say; You act surprised!

Anyways – here are 5 facts about Kobe & Vanessa.

1. Kobe met Vanessa in 1999 on the set of a video shoot during his wanna be rap superstar days. He was 21, she was just 17 and still in high school. Their teenage love affair was met with a lot of criticism. He’d pick her up from school in his fancy cars and she even had to miss her prom due to their relationship. They became engaged 6 months after meeting and married in a private ceremony in 2001. Kobe’s family is said to have not been in attendance. They did not approve of the relationship, or more specifically – how Kobe was handling things (see #2)

2. We want prenup! We want prenup! Well, those were the cries from his family – and those cries fell on def ears. Kobe and Vanessa actually have no prenup and in the state of California, Vanessa is entitled to 50% of everything Kobe earned during their marriage. Ironically enough, in April 2001 Kobe is quoted as saying that “[He] loves her too much for one”. Well I wonder if he still feels the same now!

3. The pair has two daughters, Natalia and Gianna. Kobe reconciled with his parents and family after the birth of his daughters. It’s kinda hard for grandparents to stay mad I suppose. His youngest daughter was born on the same day as Shaquille O’Neal & Shaunie O’Neal’s youngest as well. Vanessa has asked for joint legal custody and primary physical custody. Meaning, Kobe will get “visitation”.

4. In 2003 Kobe faced allegations of the rape of a woman in Denver. Vanessa (should have) won an Oscar for her role as “The Good Wife”. With Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” as her theme song, she bravely (or) stupidly (depending on how you see it) faced the world during Kobe’s press conference defending himself. He was eventually found not guilty, but within days of being charged, he purchased an 8 carat purple diamond ring for his loyal wife. The ring is said to be valued at $4 million, but Kobe swore it wasn’t an apology gift.

5. Tag Team Snitches! Kobe and Vanessa became notorious for ratting on his teammates and their philandering ways. Kobe and Shaq had beef after Kobe pulled a “Well, Shaq does it too!” in response to his extramarital affair.Shaq left the Lakers not to long after. Then there was the Karl Malone situation. Remember that? Vanessa asked Karl, who was dressed in his trademark cowboy boots and hat “What are you hunting cowboy”, to which Malone replied “Little Mexican girls”. Vanessa, perhaps rightfully so – took offense that as flirting since she is Mexican herself.  She told Mrs. Malone which prompted a public response from Karl. This of course led to problems with Kobe and Karl, etc. Malone retires within a few months. Then most recently – the Bryant’s are at the center of yet another team issue. Right before the play-offs,  Vanessa tells Pau Gasol’s girlfriend Silvia that he is cheating on him. Silvia breaks it off with Pau, leaving him confused, hurt and heart broken.As result, there was reportedly a lot of friction between  Analysts, fans and critics partly blamed the Laker’s embarrassing game 4 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on those events.

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Tags: Celebrity Divorce, Kobe Bryant, NBA

Category: Entertainment