The Baller & his Wife: Break-ups to Make-ups...EXPOSED!

In the colorful world of a baller's love life, we're all accustomed to the standard marriage, affairs and divorce story. Baller meets girl, baller either (a) gets girl pregnant or (b) marries girl; and in some really special cases baller does both in the order that leads to less scandaliciousness. On the surface that is...

Such was the case when NBA Baller Shaquille O'Neale married Shaunie Nelson on December 26, 2002. Together they had four children and adding two for each from previous relationships, the family of eight was complete.

On the outside everything seemed to be going well for Shaunie & Shaq. They were described by their friends and family as the young, happy & successful couple who had a lot going for themselves until...

The Break-Up:

In early September 2007 reports began to surface that Shaq had recently filed for divorce after five years of marriage.

The marriage between the parties was reportedly "irretrievably broken", stated the petition, which was filed by Shaq's lawyers.

Reports flew about what ultimately caused the divorce and everything seemed to point to Shaunie who was accused of having "secret assets", particularly with respect to properties owned and titled in her name or other "unknown"tities. SHADY MUCH! Rumors of an alleged home bought for her lover & trainer swirled as well as her secret affair was put front and center.

Shaq ironically had no problem fanning the flames while attempting to play the innocent role during all of this. However, Shaq had in fact played a role in his "irretrievably broken" marriage, as HIS very private affair with Karinne Steffans aka "Superhead" went public when she aired all of the details of their 4 month relationship. Steffans claimed that Shaq spend insane amounts of money on her and showered with lavish gifts and attention.

Thus began the media storm of exactly who cheated on who and who ultimately was responsible for the divorce. In the end, it was ruled a draw with both of them seemingly doing dirt to the other in some way while married and things were left at that.

The Make-up:

About a year later in August of 2008, reports began surfacing again about Shaq & Shaunie. This time however, the reports stated that the two were working on reconciling.

In an interview Shaunie stated:

Neither one of us could probably answer why we were getting a divorce in the first place. Things are great and we're moving on to the good stuff. We've both learned a lot and know that our family comes first and that's the main thing for both of us.

Isn't that special? And the couple hasn't looked back since. Let's face it, the life of a baller's wife is filled with lots of controversy, some warranted some not and they take that on when they decide to settle down with one. And so it was no surprise when it happened to Shaq & Shaunie's marriage. But somehow in the end when the dust settled, they found their way back to each other. Which considering the facts says a lot about these two.

So I'm wondering...would you do the same for your baller and more importantly would he do the same for you?