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Shaq Diesel is headed for divorce court.
According to the New York Daily News, O'Neal's wife, Va'shaundya "Shaunie" O'Neal, cited "irreconcilable differences" in her divorce papers last month. TMZ reported that Shaunie has actually filed for legal separation, the first step toward divorce. It is the second time that the couple has begun the process of divorce. In 2007, they were able to reconcile their differences after Shaq filed in Miami.
"Obviously, this is a difficult time for our family, and we request that the media respect our privacy," Shaq said in a statement. "I will continue to focus on being there for our children and I am confident that Shaunie will do the same."
It's ironic that a few months after consummating a new basketball marriage with Lebron James in Cleveland, Shaq's legal marriage is headed for the history books. (Though some think Shaq's latest basketball marriage won't last either. More on that later.)
According to the Daily News:
In addition to asking for an unspecified amount of money for spousal and child support, Shaunie is also seeking sole custody of the couple's four minor children, ages 3 to 9, with visitation rights for O'Neal. Though the couple lives in Florida, Shaunie claimed she's a resident of California, which has more generous community-property divorce provisions. According to People.com, Shaunie recently flew to Los Angeles and claimed herself a resident of the Golden State on Nov. 8, one day before filing the separation papers. This is the second split for Shaunie and Shaq, who originally filed for divorce in 2007. The couple, who reportedly have a prenuptial agreement, eventually reconciled after a bitter dispute over whether or not he was hiding money from her.
The website Bossip reported that O'Neal had an affair with fellow NBA player Gilbert Arenas' now pregnant fiancee, Laura Govan. It also reported that Govan and Shaunie were good friends. Whatever the reason for the divorce, I'm sad to see any once-happy marriage dissolve.
The downside of Shaq's fame is that what should've been a private matter is exposed for public consumption. I'm sure the pressure of always being in the public spotlight did not help the O'Neals.
It also seems shady that O'Neal's wife is now claiming residency in California, when she and Shaq kept a home in Florida. California is known to have more generous divorce laws. Shaq's lawyers are trying to block her new claim.Between child support and alimony, it seems that Shaunie will be well compensated. Unlike many divorced mothers, she will have the financial resources available to raise their children. Her time now should be spent focusing on the next phase of her life and things that can't be settled with cash, such as fulfillment.
Another issue in their feud was Shaunie's accusation that O'Neal was hiding money from her.
Women and men need to be joint partners in marriage. Even if one partner is a stay-at-home parent or makes less money than the other, that partner should know important details, such as how many bank accounts there are and how much is in them. Even if one partner handles the financial affairs, the other should know how much money is coming in each month, how much money is going out and to whom. Do you know how many credit cards your spouse has?
I hope Shaq and Shaunie can work out their differences. In the meantime, I'm rooting for Shaq's hardwood marriage to culminate in a championship this year so Bron Bron doesn't feel too guilty about divorcing Shaq and bolting to the Knicks next season.
Comments: (170)
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By: HAYWOOD JABLOME on 12/06/2009 9:33AM
WHO CARES...........
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By: Razor on 12/04/2009 2:36PM
Seems to me she is being greedy asking for sole custody of the children. It's funny that she is claiming CA residency where they might grant her sole custody. Florida will not grant any parent sole custody of children. It's shared custody only unless a parent can be proven unfit. Shame on you Shaunie and shame on Shaq too
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By: Geri on 12/04/2009 2:38PM
Plain and simple, if you can not be a faithful partner, then DON'T GET MARRIED!! If you cheat, then you've got whats coming to you!!!
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By: Ez on 12/04/2009 2:39PM
These two slugs should get together with the other two slugs (the Woods) and participate in a new reality show - Mutual of Omaha presents The Cheetahs and the Cougars.
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By: CTR on 12/04/2009 2:44PM
Any time a couple is going through marital issues should be a private matter. As far as Shaunie going to California to file for divorce is supicious. I was a single mother receiving the same amount of child support from a blue collar working father. My point is I never harrased him or the court to increase the amount because my child has a relationship with the father and his new wife and that is all that matters(the well being of my child) and to make this situation as easy as possible for MY CHILD!!!
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By: snowfire0040 on 12/04/2009 2:50PM
A GOLD DIGGR BY ANY OTHER NAME STILL STINKS. WHERE DO YOU MEN MEET THESE WOMEN. BETTER NOT GO THERE ANY MORE. I THINK THE HOUSE OF THE LORD IS A BETTER PLACE THEN THE LOCAL HOUSE OF ILL REPUTE. DOESN'T ANYONE EVER STAY TOGETHER ANY MORE.AND WE WONDER WHY THE CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING. SHAME SHAME SHAME
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By: Keih on 12/04/2009 2:49PM
Oh please. Shaq is so hypocritical. I guess when Kobe said Shaq was fooling around too maybe he was right. Not maybe. He was. And Shaq denied it. I am not a Kobe apologist but he wasn't cuckolding a fellow players wife. Shaq is the biggest self-promoter whose skills are a fraction of what they were and someone who only takes his job seriously after he gets traded. Then after 2-3 years he eats and complains. Left Orlando because of Penny. Left LA because of Kobe.Left Miami for greener pastures. Left Phoenix because he couldn't run, shoot, stay in shape or play defense. And he will leave Cleveland when LeBron opts out and goes to Knicks. All thats left for Shaq is a spot next to Allen Iverson where they can share binkies.
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By: A4MANBOB on 12/04/2009 2:49PM
i was going to leave a comment until i discoverd i wasn't on white voices
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By: joe barbiaux on 12/04/2009 4:06PM
another jerk cheating on his wife.
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By: nestmission on 12/04/2009 3:11PM
What is wrong with some ofyou people, calling this woman a gold digger. How would you like it if your husband was always in someone elses pants. When you are married you took the vow to forsake all others. She needs what is soming to her and the children. I don't care if shewere poor, this woman has been used to a lifestyle afforded her by her husband and she does not need to be on skid row like soooo many women are left. He has the money, why should he not support her...they are partners. Some of you must have forgotten your wedding vowels. And NO not everyone strays.!!!
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