Stephen A. Smith Clowns NBA Players Who Went Broke Because of Girls
The brightest stars of the NBA—those who dazzled us with their talent and swagger—have also become cautionary tales. Stephen A. Smith is at it again, this time clowning the legends who blew their fortunes chasing women and living large, turning their million-dollar careers into financial nightmares.
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Allen Iverson: The Answer’s Costly Mistake
Allen Iverson was supposed to be the solution to basketball greatness, but his off-court decisions became his financial kryptonite. Despite earning over $200 million, Iverson filed for bankruptcy in 2012. The biggest culprit? Not just strip clubs or his massive entourage, but his tumultuous relationship with his high school sweetheart, Tawanna Turner. Their marriage ended in a brutal divorce, with Iverson losing $16 million due to a postnuptial agreement he violated through infidelity. Child support for five kids and relentless legal fees drained him further. Iverson’s generosity—luxury cars, gifts, supporting 50 people—became his downfall. Even Stephen A. Smith, once a close friend, was forced to write a critical article about Iverson’s personal life, straining their bond. Years later, Iverson stabilized thanks to a Reebok trust fund, but his story remains a warning: even legends can fumble when it comes to love and money.
Dennis Rodman: The Worm’s Web of Romance
Dennis Rodman was as wild off the court as he was dominant on it. His three marriages—including a nine-day Vegas spectacle with Carmen Electra—were financial disasters. Rodman’s child support for multiple kids, lavish spending, and trusting the wrong people (including a financial adviser who stole $1.24 million) left him nearly broke. His net worth, once tens of millions, now sits around $500,000. Even now, Rodman’s face tattoo for his girlfriend shows he hasn’t fully learned from the past. Stephen A. Smith’s playful jabs at Rodman’s antics are reminders of how even the most eccentric stars can fall hard.
Jason Caffey: The Baby Mama Spiral
Jason Caffey, who earned $34 million, fathered 10 children with eight women. The math is brutal: child support payments, legal fees, and bankruptcy wiped out his fortune. Caffey’s story is rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, leading to destructive adult choices. Now, as a coach and mentor, he tries to help young men avoid his mistakes, but his net worth—between $1 and $8 million—is a shadow of his NBA earnings.
Shawn Kemp: The Rainman’s Financial Storm
Shawn Kemp, once worth over $90 million, fathered at least seven children with six women. Supporting multiple families proved more expensive than any NBA roster. Lavish spending, drugs, and failed investments left Kemp with an estimated $5 million—just a fraction of his career haul.
Kenny Anderson: Court Vision Can’t See Disaster Coming
Kenny Anderson, who made $63 million, was undone by seven children with four women and two costly divorces. Lavish living and supporting an entourage left him nearly penniless, with a net worth of $800,000. His story, told in the documentary “Mr. Chibs,” is a lesson in financial responsibility for young athletes.
Latrell Sprewell: From Finals Hero to Financial Ruin
Latrell Sprewell earned $97 million and was a clutch performer, but poor investments, lavish spending, and relationship obligations led to bankruptcy. His story is a masterclass in wealth destruction, showing that even the most electrifying stars can lose it all.
Eric Williams: The Role Player’s Struggle
Eric Williams didn’t earn superstar money, but his steady NBA paychecks vanished under the pressure of supporting multiple families and poor investments. His story is echoed by dozens of journeymen who find themselves broke within years of retirement.
Larry Johnson: Grandmama’s Financial Nightmare
Larry Johnson, a two-time All-Star, earned $83 million but declared bankruptcy in 2015, owing $120,000 in child support for five kids with four women. Lavish spending and legal fees created a financial treadmill he couldn’t outrun.
Glenn Rice: Scoring On and Off the Court
Glenn Rice, a three-time All-Star, lost millions to poor investments and the pressure of supporting multiple households. His story highlights the systemic issues in pro sports—where players live like millionaires but lack the financial education to sustain it.
Stephen A. Smith’s message is clear: NBA players must think beyond immediate gratification. The stories of Iverson, Rodman, Caffey, Kemp, Anderson, Sprewell, Williams, Johnson, and Rice are cautionary tales. Talent and fame can’t protect you from the consequences of bad financial and relationship decisions.
