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Sports Celebrity Divorce News

From performing in front of thousands of people to getting paid excellent salaries, being a professional athlete certainly has its perks. With that said, an athlete's actions on and off the field are typically under the constant scrutiny of the pubic eye. This is especially true of divorces involving sports celebrities and their spouses.

Some of the biggest names in professional sports have recently been divorced. From the greatest basketball player in the history of the game, Michael Jordan, and New Jersey Nets' point guard Jason Kidd to NFL sack specialist Michael Strahan and his New York Giants' teammate Amani Toomer to Atlanta Braves' hurler John Smoltz and a New York Yankees executive related to the Boss George Steinbrenner, the "big three" sports have seen their fare share of divorces in 2007. Tennis champion Chris Evertt and golf shark Greg Norman have also been divorced this year; once again proving that divorce is not limited to certain fields of play.

Some celebrity divorces involving professional athletes are rather quiet. Others celebrity sports divorces are much more publicized and scandalous. Regardless, they usually prove interesting with the amount of notoriety and money that is typically involved.

Follow the latest divorces in the sports world below, and don't forget to check out our very popular Celebrity Divorce Spotlight section on the headline-making entertainment, music, business and bizarre divorces of the day.


Sports Celebrity Divorce Updates for May 1, 2007


Juanita Jordan Reportedly Not in Mourning from Divorce

Juanita Vanoy Jordan, former wife of NBA superstar Michael Jordan, is reportedly dating an investment banker who is nearly 15 years younger. The unnamed man, 29, reportedly works at the Chicago branch of Credit Suisse. A friend of Juanita Jordan described the man as reportedly looking "a lot like a young Michael." The Jordans' divorce was cited by Forbes as the single most expensive divorce in history, with speculation that Juanita Jordan will get nearly $200 million in cash and assets.

NY Giants Michael Strahan's Ex-Wife Jean Strahan Holds Garage Sale

The Associated Press has reported that the ex-wife of New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is so "poor" now that she had told hold a garage sale outside the couple's $3.6 million Montclair home, which now belongs to her. In court papers filed last month, Jean Strahan claimed that she can't afford to keep the 30-room home. She was awarded $15.3 million in January, and gets $18k per month in child support. Jean Strahan has also claimed that Michael Strahan owes her $6.5 million from a 2005 agreement.


Sports Celebrity Divorce Updates for April 27, 2007


Yankee Exec Steve Swindal Says Marriages Wasn't "Irretrievably Broken"

The New York Post has reported that Yankees executive Steve Swindal, who is married to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner's daughter Jennifer, has denied his wife's allegations in divorce papers that the marriage was "irretrievably broken." Swindal reportedly has said that he will not pay for alimony and has asked his wife to pay for his attorney. Meanwhile, Swindal's attorney, Stanford Solomon, has reportedly asked that all court documents regarding the Yankees be protected as trade secrets. The couple was married for 23 years, and has two adult children.

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Golf Star Greg Norman May Go to Trial in Divorce

Greg Norman and his wife Laura have reportedly ended three days of divorce mediation without any resolution, prompting the golf pro's attorney to recommend in court papers that the divorce go to trial. If that happens, the divorce would become more public than it is now. Norman's attorney told reporters, "We will do everything we can to settle the case." The couple was married for 25 years. Norman's net worth has been estimated to be more than $200 million. The couple has two adult children together.


Sports Celebrity Divorce Updates for April 24, 2007


Bernie Kosar's Estranged Wife Babette Files Emergency Motion for Child Support and Maintenance

The Miami Herald has reported that the estranged wife of NFL star Bernie Kosar, Babette Kosar, has filed an emergency motion for support, alleging that Bernie has refused to provide temporary support for her and their four children while he has spent "many millions of dollars" in the past year. Babette alleges that her husband travels by jet, takes expensive vacations, and bought a $4 million house near hers. Bernie has said that he's given Babette more than $100,000 and paid more than $100,000 in bills. Babette also alleged in court papers that the judge who dismissed her motion to have Bernie drug tested, Lawrence Korda, was biased about drugs because he was arrested for pot smoking recently. The motion called Korda's ruling "extremely insensitive." The couple married in 1990 and separated in 2005.


Sports Celebrity Divorce Updates for April 20, 2007


Wrestler Hulk Hogan Denies Divorce Rumors

Hulk Hogan, charismatic professional wrestler and star of the reality TV show "Hogan Knows Best" has denied rumors that he and his wife Linda are contemplating a divorce after 24 years of marriage. Hogan told US magazine, "I'm happily married, and everything is cool" after the New York Daily News and the National Enquirer speculated that the couple had succumbed to what's being called "The Reality Show Curse" on marriages. Several "happily married" or newly married celebrity couples shot reality television shows, then separated and divorced soon after, including Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro, Shanna Moakler and Travis Barker, and Danny and Gretchen Bonaduce.


Sports Celebrity Divorce Updates for April 17, 2007


Michael Jordan's Divorce Named by Forbes as "Most Expensive"

Basketball star Michael Jordan's divorce from wife of 18 years, Juanita Vanoy Jordan, has topped the list of Forbes magazine's most expensive celebrity divorces. Juanita Jordan reportedly could collect more than $150 million in the couple's divorce settlement. Also on the list: Neil Diamond's $150 million payout to ex-wife Marcia Murphey, Steven Spielberg's $100 million settlement with ex-wife Amy Irving, and Harrison Ford's $85 million payment to Melissa Mathison, who also has a claim on Ford's future earnings. Forbes also speculated that Sir Paul McCartney's estranged wife, Heather Mills, may collect up to $60 million for the couple's four year marriage.


Celebrity Divorce Updates for April 13, 2007


Yankees' Steve Swindal Exits from Racing Bid

Divorce from Yankees Boss George Steinbrenner's Daughter Rumored to Be Reason
Steve Swindal, whose father-in-law is Yankees boss George Steinbrenner, has withdrawn himself from a bid to take over thoroughbred racing in New York. A spokesperson for Excelsior Racing said, "For personal reasons, Steve Swindal decided to withdraw from the Excelsior bid." Those personal reasons are widely rumored to be Swindal's forthcoming divorce from George Steinbrenner's daughter, Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal. In February, Jennifer filed for divorce from Steve after 23 years, claiming the marriage was "irretrievably broken." Steve Swindal was arrested the next day for a DUI. Before his divorce and DUI, Swindal was reportedly heir to the Yankees throne, set to take over after Steinbrenner retired. His future is now uncertain.

George Steinbrenner's Daughter Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal Files for Divorce from Yankees' Steve Swindal

George Steinbrenner's daughter Jennifer has filed for divorce in a Hillsborough County Circuit Court from Steve Swindal, Yankees' General Partner and Chairman of Yankee Global Enterprises. Swindal was set to run the Yankee empire after his wife's father George Steinbrenner retires. The couple reportedly split the day before Swindal, 52, was arrested in Florida for a DUI in February, to which he pleaded Not Guilty. According to court papers, Jennifer Swindal said the marriage is "irretrievably broken" and asked to keep the couple's tony Tampa home. She also requested records of her husband's finances. The couple has two grown children together.

NY Giants Michael Strahan Temporarily Blocks $6.5 Million Settlemnt to Wife Jean Strahan

New York Giants player Michael Strahan was able to get a New York appeals court to temporarily block $6.5 million of a $15.3 million settlement awarded to her by a lower court based on a pre-nuptial agreement. The Superior Court Appellate Division issued an interim stay on paying out the money and has not yet decided whether the appeal has merit.

Russian Multi-Billionaire Roman Abramovich Leaves Wife for Model

Roman Abramovich, a Russian oil tycoon reportedly worth several billion dollars, has announced that he will be divorcing his wife of 15 years for a 25-year old model, Daria Zhukova. Abramovich released a statement detailing his divorce plans from his wife, Irina, who will get as much as $10 billion out of his estimated $23 billion fortune. The couple has five children together. Abramovich owns Chelsea, an English Premiership football club.

New York Giants Receiver Amani Toomer's Divorce Final

The Associated Press has reported that New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer and his wife of more than four years, Yola Dabrowski, have avoided a messy divorce trial by participating in two days of confidential negotiations to divide their assets. Terms of the final settlement were not disclosed, though Toomer told the Jersey Journal, "It's a great day personally for me and I'm just real happy right now." Toomer made headlines after he alleged that his wife had had "three or more" abortions to avoid having children with him.

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NY Giants' Amani Toomer and Wife are Splitsville

New York Giants superstar wide receiver Amani Toomer, 32, has filed for divorce from his chiropractor wife, Dr. Yola Dabrowski, claiming she committed fraud when they married because she had agreed to have children. Toomer claims his wife has had "up to four" abortions against Toomer's wishes. Dabrowski, however, said in court documents that she was "fearful" of having children with Toomer, because he would not be "emotionally or physically available" to a child. The couple married in a Las Vegas Civil Ceremony five years ago.

"EastEnders" Star Michelle Gayle to Divorce Mark Bright

Former star of EastEnders, Michelle Gayle, has split from her husband, football player Mark Bright, after ten years of marriage. The couple has a ten year old son together. Gayle played Hattie Tavernier on EastEnders and met Crystal Palace football player Mark Bright in 1995.

Jason and Jourmana Kidd's Divorce Gets Uglier

The wife of New Jersey Nets star Jason Kidd has responded to divorce papers filed in a Bergen County divorce court last month by asserting in a 27-page document that her husband physically abused her and cheated on her during their ten year marriage. Jourmana Kidd reportedly claimed that Jason's "numerous liaisons and perpetual physical and emotional abuse" led to the end of their marriage. Jason Kidd's attorney called the allegations "bizarre" and said they would be proven false. Jourmana Kidd has requested joint legal custody of their three children, but that the children live with her. She also seeks child support, alimony and monetary compensation for the injuries and trauma she suffered throughout the marriage. The couple separated last November.

Atlanta Braves' John Smoltz Divorcing Wife After 16 Years

John Smoltz, pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, has announced that he and his wife Dyan will be divorcing after 16 years of marriage, according to the Associated Press. The couple has a son and three daughters. Further details were not disclosed.

Jason Kidd Revises Divorce Papers

New Jersey Nets point guard Jason Kidd amended divorce papers filed in a Hackensack, NJ Superior court, removing allegations against his wife, Jourmana, for "extreme cruelty." Kidd's amended complaint cited "irreconcilable differences" instead. Until recently, under New Jersey law, one spouse had to charge the other with misconduct, or the parties had to live apart for 18 months before divorcing. A new law, signed by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, allows "no-fault" divorce to be filed. Kidd's attorney said in a prepared statement that the change was intended to expedite the divorce process for both parties.

Kidd Divorce Includes Claims of Cheating

The attorney for Jourmana Kidd, the wife of New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd reportedly told New York tabloids that Kidd had been cheating on his wife. Jourmana Kid and her attorney reportedly denied accusations that she had punched and kicked Jason Kidd during arguments, as Jason Kidd had alleged in divorce papers. When Jourmana's attorney Raoul Felder, who handled divorces for Mike Tyson, New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani, and a paternity suit against Mick Jagger, was asked by the New York Daily News whether Jason Kidd had cheated on his wife, he reportedly said, "Do they sell pantyhose at Macy's?" The Kidds have three children together and have had a much-publicized stormy marriage.

Kidds Get Mutual Restraining Orders On Each Other

Jourmana Kidd, the wife of New Jersey Nets star Jason Kidd, has filed a domestic violence restraining order against the 33-year old point guard. A week before Jourmana Kidd obtained the order of protection, her estranged husband Jason Kidd had obtained a restraining order against her when he filed for divorce, claiming violence and cruelty. The couple has been married for ten years and has three children.

New York Giants' Michael Strahan to Pay $15 Million to Ex

New York Giants player Michael Strahan will be paying more than half of his net worth to his ex-wife, Jean Strahan. According to the Associated Press, a State Superior Court judge ordered the couple's prenuptial agreement to be upheld, which entitles Jean Strahan to 50 percent of their joint marital assets and 20 percent of his yearly income from each year they were married. The NFL player had asserted that he was not responsible for the 20 percent because his wife failed to ask for it in separate funds every year. In addition to the $15.3 million, the judge awarded Jean Strahan hundreds of thousands of dollars in child support.

NBA Star Jason Kidd Divorces Wife After Ten Years, Claiming "Extreme Cruelty"

New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd filed for divorce from his wife of 10 years, accusing her of "extreme cruelty" throughout their marriage. The seven-time NBA All-Star filed papers in a New Jersey Superior court, claiming that his wife, Jourmana Kidd, has physically and mentally abused him, threatened to make false domestic violence complaints to police, and interfered with his relationship with his children. The day before he filed for divorce, Kidd filed a domestic violence complaint seeking a temporary restraining order against his wife. Kidd was arrested in 2001 after his wife told police that he had hit her during an argument. The couple has three children together.

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Golf Pro Greg Norman's Divorce Hits a Sand Trap

Golf pro Greg Norman's divorce from his wife of 25 years, Laura Norman, has hit a snag. Court documents filed in Martin County, FL by the golf star's attorneys claim that Laura Norman has failed to respond in a timely manner to papers describing the couple's assets. Greg Norman, 51, is known in golf circles as "The Shark" and was the world's number one golfer for 331 weeks. He has won 20 PGA Tour Events and two British Opens. Norman filed for divorce last June, claiming the marriage was "irretrievably broken."

Tennis Star Chris Evert Divorces Ski Champ After 18 Years

Tennis star Chris Evert and Skier Andy Mill have filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. Evert reportedly signed a settlement agreeing to pay $7 million in cash and securities to Mill. Evert will get custody of the couple's three sons, ages 15, 12 and 10 and will keep their $2.8 million home in Florida. Mill will reportedly keep their $4 million vacation home in Aspen. This is Evert's second divorce. Her first marriage to British tennis player John Lloyd ended in 1987.