25 Love Triangles That Rocked the Sports World
Tony Parker - Eva Longoria - Erin Barry
Tony Parker’s marriage to actress Eva Longoria unraveled when she discovered texts between him and Erin Barry, the wife of his Spurs teammate Brent Barry. The alleged emotional affair created massive locker room awkwardness. The Barrys and Parker-Longoria couples both divorced soon after.
Alex Rodriguez - Madonna - Cynthia Scurtis
In 2008, A-Rod’s marriage crumbled amid rumors of an affair with pop icon Madonna. His wife Cynthia filed for divorce, citing emotional abandonment. The media frenzy added to A-Rod’s already controversial image.
Wayne Bridge - Vanessa Perroncel - John Terry
England and Chelsea teammates were torn apart when John Terry allegedly had an affair with Bridge’s ex, Vanessa Perroncel. The scandal cost Terry the England captaincy and fractured team unity. Bridge later refused to shake Terry’s hand before a match.
Reggie Bush - Kim Kardashian - Kris Humphries
NFL star Reggie Bush dated Kim Kardashian for years, but she left him for NBA player Kris Humphries. Kim and Kris's marriage lasted only 72 days, sparking theories she still had feelings for Bush. The media circus surrounding them blurred the lines between sports and celebrity.
Tom Brady - Bridget Moynahan - Gisele Bündchen
Brady dated actress Bridget Moynahan for years, but the two split—and weeks later, she announced her pregnancy. Meanwhile, Brady had already begun dating supermodel Gisele Bündchen. The complex timeline triggered endless tabloid speculation.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Irina Shayk - Bradley Cooper
Ronaldo and model Irina Shayk dated for 5 years before she left him, reportedly upset about his close relationship with his mother. She soon began dating actor Bradley Cooper, fueling rumors of emotional overlap. Ronaldo kept quiet, but tabloids didn’t.
Kendra Wilkinson - Hank Baskett - Ava London
NFL wide receiver Hank Baskett was caught in a cheating scandal with transgender model Ava London while his wife, former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson, was pregnant. The betrayal made headlines and played out on their reality TV show. The emotional fallout nearly ended their marriage.
Aaron Rodgers - Olivia Munn - Jordan Rodgers
Aaron’s relationship with actress Olivia Munn reportedly strained his relationship with his family, including brother Jordan. After their breakup, Jordan made subtle digs at Olivia on "The Bachelorette." The Rodgers family rift remains a public mystery.
Dwyane Wade - Aja Metoyer - Gabrielle Union
While dating Gabrielle Union, Wade fathered a child with longtime friend Aja Metoyer. Though he claimed they were “on a break,” the news stunned fans. Wade and Union eventually reconciled and married, but the triangle remains infamous.
Tony Romo - Carrie Underwood - Jessica Simpson
Cowboys QB Tony Romo had high-profile relationships with both pop stars. His quick transition from Underwood to Simpson drew headlines and fan backlash. Simpson was even blamed for distracting Romo during games.
Kobe Bryant - Vanessa Bryant - Katelyn Faber
Kobe’s 2003 assault case involved hotel employee Katelyn Faber. Though charges were dropped, it deeply impacted his marriage to Vanessa. Kobe publicly apologized and gifted her a $4 million ring in reconciliation.
Keyshawn Johnson - Jennifer Conrad - Shikiri Hightower
NFL star Keyshawn Johnson was entangled in back-and-forth relationships with two women—his ex-wife Shikiri and future wife Jennifer. The timeline overlapped, causing tension and public feuding. Johnson’s personal drama often overshadowed his playing career.
Lance Armstrong - Sheryl Crow - Kristin Richard
Armstrong dated singer Sheryl Crow after divorcing wife Kristin Richard. Rumors swirled that Armstrong had emotionally moved on before the divorce finalized. His fall from grace later overshadowed everything.
Danica Patrick - Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - Aaron Rodgers
Danica dated fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse before suddenly dating NFL QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers’ arrival allegedly ended her long-term relationship with Stenhouse. The switch stunned fans of both sports.
Russell Wilson - Ashton Meem - Golden Tate
Rumors circulated that Ashton Meem, Wilson’s ex-wife, was involved with teammate Golden Tate. Both Tate and Meem denied it, but Wilson quickly divorced her. The awkward timing raised eyebrows in the Seahawks locker room.
Paul George - Daniela Rajic - Callie Rivers
Paul George fathered a child with stripper Daniela Rajic while dating Doc Rivers’ daughter Callie. Despite the scandal, he reconciled with Rajic and started a family. It caused waves in NBA circles, especially given Rivers' coaching ties.
LeBron James - Savannah James - Sharon Reed
During LeBron’s early NBA years, rumors linked him to Cleveland news anchor Sharon Reed. Though never confirmed, the gossip strained his public image. LeBron and high-school sweetheart Savannah stayed together, silencing speculation.
Chad Ochocinco - Evelyn Lozada - Tammy Torres
Ochocinco proposed to Evelyn Lozada quickly, but she later claimed he cheated with model Tammy Torres. The resulting fallout included domestic violence and jail time. His NFL career never recovered.
Brett Favre - Deanna Favre - Jenn Sterger
Favre’s legacy took a hit when racy texts and photos he sent to Jenn Sterger surfaced. He was still married to Deanna, who stood by him. The scandal marred the end of his career.
Serge Ibaka - Keri Hilson - Angela Simmons
NBA star Serge Ibaka dated singer Keri Hilson, but rumors connected him to Angela Simmons during their relationship. The overlap allegedly ended things with Hilson. Ibaka’s romantic life often made headlines beyond his play.
Matt Kemp - Rihanna - Khloe Kardashian
Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp dated both Rihanna and Khloe Kardashian within a short time. The relationships overlapped just enough to stir gossip. Fans speculated who dumped who - and why.
Caroline Wozniacki - Rory McIlroy - Erica Stoll
Rory broke off his engagement with tennis star Wozniacki via a phone call, shortly after wedding invites were sent. He began dating Erica Stoll just months later. Wozniacki later claimed it blindsided her emotionally and professionally.
Tim Tebow - Camilla Belle - Joe Jonas
Tebow’s short-lived romance with Camilla Belle became gossip gold because of her past with Joe Jonas. The triangle sparked debates about Tebow’s image and virginity vow. It fizzled fast but drew huge tabloid attention.
Michael Strahan - Nicole Murphy - Eddie Murphy
Nicole was previously married to Eddie Murphy before dating NFL star Michael Strahan. Their engagement ended amid cheating allegations and scheduling conflicts. Eddie’s shadow loomed large over the relationship’s coverage.
