12 NBA Stars Who Faced Relationship Controversies

A look at NBA stars whose off-court controversies and cheating scandals drew public attention, revealing the challenges personal life brings to a public figure.

Rajat Srivastava
October 16, 2025
5 min read

12 NBA Stars Who Faced Relationship Controversies — Imagn Images

This list of NBA stars explores the off-court personal issues that made headlines when the problems in the lives of the superstars became public. From top scorers to championship winners, several players faced allegations of cheating that drew as much attention as their basketball achievements. These stories highlight how fame brings constant public scrutiny, reminding all of us that even elite athletes have to balance personal challenges in the spotlight of professional sports.

12. Karl Malone

Karl Malone’s personal history resurfaced in public discussion due to reports of a relationship controversy in which he was involved in his youth. He had actually fathered a child as a teenager with a minor. The story re-emerged decades later, starting debates about accountability and ethics in the lives of sporting icons. While Malone is an All time great on the court, this incident continues to complicate his public image.

11. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard’s personal life has drawn public attention a lot due to his relationship controversies and disputes in the media. Over the years, reports involving multiple partners and legal conflicts made headlines, sometimes overshadowing his basketball achievements. Despite the drama, Howard has remained outspoken about his personal growth and faith, trying to move beyond the issues in his private life.

10. Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas’ relationship with reality TV personality Laura Govan was filled with public disputes and allegations. This high profile relationship drama often played out on social media and in tabloids. Their public split became a recurring story, reflecting the challenges athletes face when private matters become a public spectacle.

9. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd’s personal life once drew negative headlines due to domestic disputes and relationship controversies. Over time, Kidd has publicly expressed regret and has worked on personal improvement. His transition from player to coach showcased his ability to evolve and mature beyond the off-court struggles that was once a dark mark on his image.

8. Paul George

Paul George’s early relationship controversies became quite a news when reports emerged about personal disputes and legal issues involving his then partner. The personal conflict was heavily covered in sports media. George has since turned a new leaf, focusing on his family and career while maintaining a more private personal life.

7. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal has spoken candidly about his past mistakes in the relationship. This included alleged infidelity during his marriage. In later interviews and his autobiography, he admitted to “messing up” and reflected on the lessons learnt along the way. Shaq’s openness about his personal failings and growth has made him one of the more self aware figures amongst the NBA legends.

6. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s 2003 legal case brought intense global attention to his personal life and marriage. While the criminal charges were dropped, the controversy reignited the debate around the off-court issues of the superstar athletes. Bryant later worked to rebuild both his image and personal relationships, leaving behind a complex but ultimately redemptive image in public.

5. Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade’s relationship with actress Gabrielle Union briefly made headlines after news came out of him fathering a child during a break in their relationship. The couple later reconciled, and Wade addressed the experience openly, emphasizing the need of accountability and honesty. The pair have since become one of the NBA’s most admired couples, known for their dedication and transparency to each other.

4. Tony Parker

Tony Parker’s marriage to actress Eva Longoria ended in a highly talked about divorce after alleged reports of his involvement in a texting scandal with a teammate’s wife. The incident dominated headlines in 2010 but it didn’t define Parker’s career, as he went on to win another championship with the Spurs. His story is a classic example of public redemption through professional achievement after private mistakes.

3. Draymond Green

Draymond Green, a key part of the Golden State Warriors champion team, faced public allegations of cheating during his marriage. While Green largely avoided commenting on it directly, the stories drew attention from both the sports and entertainment media. His ability to stay focused on basketball amid off-court controversies reflected his professionalism and leadership within a championship caliber team.

2. Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson’s relationships have been under intense public spotlight, especially his alleged on and off romance with Khloe Kardashian. Multiple reports of cheating scandals became major tabloid stories, overshadowing his long NBA career. Despite the controversies, Thompson remained active in the league and in the public eye, often addressing his personal growth and co-parenting responsibilities.

1. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony’s marriage to La La Anthony had a lot of media coverage after reports of separation and alleged case of cheating surfaced in 2017. Though both addressed their issues publicly, the matter became one of the most talked about off-court stories in basketball. Carmelo later focused on rebuilding his image. He tried to bounce back through a late career comeback with lessons learnt from his mistakes in personal life.