WANTED: Emotionally stable woman, drop-dead gorgeous who is secure enough to remain alone as I'm on the road six to eight months out of the year. Must possess the ability to take care of my beckoned needs and tolerate my long work-out hours. Huge financial benefits and potential celebrity status, for at least short-term. Small chance of abuse and infidelity, but larger chance of bankruptcy and divorce (if we actually get married). Please respond by knocking on the door of Room 321 of the Hyatt-Regency in Chicago when I return to my room after midnite this weekend.
Imagine running accross a personal ad like this in a local newspaper. Chances are...at the receiving end of this ad is a professional athlete.
Having just alluded to NBA player, Paul Davis' appearance on Millionaire Matchmaker in my April Blog, the relationships of professional athletes is still fresh on my mind.
With horrific statistics on these relationships and the instability of the home life, especially while exiting pro sports, no wonder dating or being married becomes a huge challenge in itself for pro athletes.
Some statistics indicate:
- 25% of athletes are bankrupt within there first year of exiting pro sports
- 50% of divorces occur within the first year of exiting pro sports
- over 75% of athletes are either divorced or bankrupt within the first five years out
Knowing this, who in their right mind would want to be in a relationship with a professional athlete?
I'd like to tip my hat to the girlfriends and spouses of our pro athletes, especially those that are still together. I've met and spoken with athletes whose relationships have withstood five, ten, even twenty-five years of this described roller-coaster ride, so I know it is possible.
In my opinion, it is the woman behind our gladiators we call professional athletes who keep their homes together. Who navigate the emotional and financial storms that dash many a relationships into the rocks along the way. I truly believe, behind every world-class athlete stands a world-class woman who is the background pillar holding the roof up.
As I continue to work with professional and Olympic athletes while they find the next phase of their lives it is important to acknowledge and recognize the women behind the athlete and the solid emotional stability these represent.
By the way, please do not knock on Room 321's door in Chicago this weekend as I cannot guarantee who'll answer the door.
You can find out more about me, my book, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com
