Shaq’s new book, Shaq Uncut: My Story, the NBA legend writes about his infidelities against former wife, Shaunie Nelson, stating “I was a guy with too many options.” Some woman may be critical of a seemingly “lame” excuse, but Shaq’s admission is the reality for many men — especially for those deemed rich and famous. A married man intent on remaining so, goes out of his way to avoid compromising situations, but rich and famous men are magnets to single women. Often these gents don’t have the ability to avoid would-be home wreckers. Call it an occupational hazard. This list of other high-profile cheaters are clear examples of the fact that men exercising one too many options is far too common.
Eric Benet and Halle Berry
Around the time Halle was filming Monster’s Ball, crooner hubby Eric Benet was working on the set of another balls–his own. After three years together, and all of Halle’s support during his highly publicized “sex addiction,” the couple split due to Eric’s multiple infidelities. This is when working your options becomes an addiction.
The Dream and Christina Milian
Some can’t settle for just being rich (ahem, Paris Hilton) and have to go for fame too. But it’s a double-edged sword as The Dream learned. On the one hand, his number of options skyrocketed but on the other, being famous means every move he makes get put on blast. That’s exactly what happened when The Dream, already doing well behind the scenes in music, took center stage as a recording artist with one “radio killa” hit after another. His marriage to Christina Milian took also took a hit when paparrazi snapped photos of The Dream and his assistant “working” on a beach in the Carribbean. Oh well. You can’t have your cake and eat it too, as they say. But you can work your options.
Tony Parker and Eva Longoria
Fictional housewife Eva Longoria stood by her hubby NBA baller Tony Parker the first time rumors of infidelity hit the airwaves back in 2007. But when nagging suspicions could no longer lay dormant, she did what any woman in her situation would do (but usually denies)–checked his text messages. But didn’t Parker have options other than a teammate’s wife? Strange. The rest, like her marriage, is history. The couple divorced in 2010.
Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant
Not only was Kobe been ousted as a cheat in his very public scandal, but his infidelity with a hotel worker (one of many) was also dragged out in sordid detail during a widely publicized sexual assault court trial. Ouch! The good news: Vanessa appears to be the MVP of basketball wives, sticking with Kobe after he exercised more options than a stock broker. His parent’s have got to like her by now for her loyalty.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston
So old is the news of “Brennifer” that a few people forget that Pitt traded in his older model for a sleeker, edgier ride with his current woman, Angelina Jolie. Their romance began during filming of Mr. and Mrs Smith. “Brangelina” hold onto the story that nothing physical happened before Brad’s divorce to Anniston was final but if you do buy that, it does beg the question: what is cheating? It’s no secret that movie stars build plenty of chemistry on and off screen when filming. If he left his wife right after shooting, Brad was definitely cheating emotionally. At least Brad exercised his options by cheating “up.”
Ashton Kuctcher and Demi Moore
Unlike Ashton. A few days after celebrating her unbelievable 49th birthday, Demi announced her pending divorce to “Twitter posterboy” Ashton Kutcher during a press conference on November 17th. Earlier in the month, a nobody named Sara Leal decided to share details of her one-night-stand with Kutcher. In nearly the same breath, Leal admitted that the interview was the most exciting thing she’s done since sleeping with a married man. Was exercising your options worth it, Ashton?
Tiki Barber and Ginny Cha
Even though Tiki is a cheat, you have to give it to him for following his heart — which lead him to the current engagement with Traci Lynn Johnson–right? No, I didn’t think so. It doesn’t help that Tiki left his wife a few months before she had his twin baby girls. Twins! Now that’s (adulterous) love. And it’s likely that Johnson would have been interested in Tiki wasn’t Tiki.
Jennifer Lopez and Cris Judd
Just so this list isn’t completely one-sided, I had to throw in J-Lo, who cast another leading man in her major parts, Ben Affleck, while she was still married to husband number one, Cris Judd. Of course, J-Lo is far beyond that now–oh, wait, she’s dating another backup dancer? Please, someone get this girl an eHarmony account. SMH. If you are going to exercise your options, at least option up! But maybe some of these celebs should just consider going their in their fantasies — and remaining at home.
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