When searching the web I came across two interesting studies; one by Strength Planet and the other by Sports Illustrated.  They both touched on why the divorce rates are so much higher for professional athletes.  The divorce rate for Americans is 50%, very high but compared to pro players which depending on sport varies from 60% to 80%; it almost pales in comparison.  Many of these marriages are okay, for the term of the player’s careers but when they retire and are spending more time at home is when they breakdown.  I guess there is something to be said about absence makes the heart go fonder. 

     There are many examples of very public divorces i.e. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Barry Sanders, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, John Lackey, Alex Rodriguez; even women professional athletes are not exempt like Annika Sorenstam and Sheryl Swoops.  The ones who like to play the field run into trouble themselves such as Darren McFadden who has 3 kids by 3 women, and how can we forget Shawn Kemp and Antonio Cromartie who both have legal issues pending or are on child support for 7 to 10 kids with multiple women each. 

     Divorce and kids also are a big part combined with bad investments and trusting the wrong people as to why so many go broke, not a shot at Terrell Owens but I’m just saying the numbers bear it out. You can’t even say these are dumb jocks; in general, superior athletes in America have I.Q.’s on average from 97 to 107.  After looking at these interesting facts a Pusha T from the Clipse line came to mind; “You know what Fame is?, Fame is sitting next to the girl of your dreams and forgetting what her name is”.  I think they have so much money and sex thrown at them that it makes it almost impossible unless they are mentally strong enough to stay with one person and have a successful relationship.  They miss out on a good thing when it comes around and never realize or come to the conclusion too late.

Article written by contributing writer J. Darien Stokes