Want to have a look at Shaq’s divorce timeline? Popular athlete Shaq had a lot going on for him in the year 1996, and not only did he leave Orlando Magic for Los Angeles Makers and earn a whopping $120 million, but he also met his wife, film marketer Shaunie Nelson. While discussing the relationship, Shaunie revealed that Shaq was the first NBA player she had ever dated.
While the pair kept their relationship out of the media limelight, the two celebrated a big milestone in 2000 as Shaq and Shaunie welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Shareef Rashaun. Shaq later confirmed the happy news himself as he said that while he doesn’t talk about his personal life, he is a proud father while saying this about the birth of his son following a Lakers game against the Minnesota Timberwolves days back in January 2000. However, the marital bliss between them was rather short-lived. Let us take a look at all the details and lesser-known facts about Shaq’s divorce timeline.
Shaq divorce timeline: Here’s What We Know
September 2007: In a shocking turn of events, Shaquille files for divorce from his wife, Shaunie. The petition reportedly read that the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken. Shaq’s coach at the time, Pat Reilly from the Miami Heat, admitted that he is rather said he devastated by the news of the couple separating. Riley further added that he is saddened by the news but stated that Shaq would work it out, and they will work it out, just as most people do.
October 2007: In response to Shaq’s divorce petition, Shaunie filed a court motion to dismiss the filing. In the motion, she requested a three-month continuance in hopes of repairing their marriage. Shaunie also denied that their marriage was irretrievably broken, as Shaq. Later, Shaunie refuted claims about being secretive about her assets, as the divorce filing stated. She further insisted she had nothing to hide.
August 2008: After much speculation around the divorce, the pair were finally able to work their differences and ultimately planned to stop the proceedings. Shaunie later explained how neither one of them could probably answer why they were getting one in the first place. She further added that things have been going great.
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November 2009: While the two reconciled after their first separation announcement, however, the reconciliation was short-lived as Shaunie sought to end her seven-year marriage with Shaq as she filed for separation in Los Angeles. The reason was revealed to be irreconcilable differences. Shaunie further filed for sole custody of the couple’s four children together, with visitation allowed for Shaq. Shaunie later admitted that he had a fear of being by herself and being responsible for so much on her own.
March 2010: Shaquille and Shaunie finally settled their divorce. After months of proceedings across both California and Florida, the estranged pair finally reached an agreement on all terms of the divorce, including aspects of property, custody, and support.
November 17, 2011: The former athlete opened up about his divorce in his memoir Shaq Uncut: My Story. Shaq not only to admitted to being unfaithful while not being the “best partner” to his former spouse. The athlete also admitted that relationships are about maintaining, and he was just not the best partner for Shaunie. However, Shaq pointed out that he is learning now and making changes.
March 12, 2021: Shaunie discusses her great co-parenting relationship with her former husband, Shaquille. In an appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, Shaunie became candid about her relationship with the former NBA star while shedding light on how they parent their four children together. She revealed how they had a great co-parenting relationship, seriously, and further added that it took them a long time to get there while saying it surely was an easy journey while adding that they felt comfortable being honest with each other.
