I pressed AB a few months ago to post about my girls on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. I know he rolled his eyes. But, after a holiday marathon of the ladies he realized their magic too! Season One was like a bad car accident. You knew it was ugly but you had to watch. I don’t know whether it was Kim’s singing career, NeNe’s breasts and loud mouth, or Sheree’s “fashion show” or maybe even Dwight’s random appearances but I was hooked hard.
Turns out now my least favorite [Editor's Note: and MY favorite. Still.] Real Housewife from Atlanta, Sheree Whitfield, is appealing her divorce all the way to the top—the Georgia Supreme Court. Last year’s settlement obviously didn’t work for her.
On the show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Sheree Whitfield expressed a desire for a “seven figure” settlement from her ex-husband and former Falcon player Bob Whitfield. She has since said very little about the case because of legal wranglings.I don’t even know where to start...
She received a settlement last year but wasn’t happy with it. So she has appealed it all the way to the Georgia Supreme Court. The case is scheduled to be heard Monday, January 12.
Her attorneys painted her a high school graduate with limited skills to earn income, arguments for alimony she did not receive. This agreement meant she wouldn’t be able to stay at her $2.6 million home. She receives $113,422 a year from the divorce, not enough for her live the lifestyle she’s used to and clearly not at the level of what the hit Bravo show conveys. Sheree also received a lump sum of $775,000, shares of Whitfield’s retirement pension, nearly half of the marital property and child support.
Her attorneys argue that based on her lack of education and inability to earn income, the court abused its discretion by not awarding alimony and then ordering her and the children out of their $2.6 million home in Sandy Springs.
Under state law, the trial court must consider a number of factors in determining the amount of alimony, including the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the financial resources of each party and the time necessary for a party to acquire sufficient education and training to get a job.
Her ex-husband not only received an $8 million signing bonus as part of a $30 million six-year contract, but he is also a sophisticated businessman with investment properties in Costa Rica, California and Atlanta, as well as founder and owner of a “world-class” recording studio, from which he draws $50,000 annually.
To enhance his earning power, he has returned to Stanford University. She, on the other hand, has devoted her time to raising the couple’s two young children. The clothing boutique she managed for a brief time, “Bella Azul,” quickly failed under her management and oversight, her attorneys point out. With only a high school degree, she depended on her husband, with whom she had been in a relationship for 14 years.
[Editor's Note: I know where to start... Bwahhaahahaaaa!!! This is hilarious, she wants millions for having a man's kids and little more. She has a 10th grade education and a non-existent clothing line. He slaved for years on the gridiron, went to Stanford, and he owes her? Please. Go Sit Down!!! My bad VLatte, this is your post, keep goin...]
One: I don’t like the term “gold digger”. But if the designer shoe fits—then wear it…that is if you can still afford it.
Two: Based on her ex-husband’s holdings can’t he spare a freakin’ house for his former wife AND two kids? Dude is livin’ large. And while he did earn his money he spent 11 years with Sheree—whether they were married the entire time or not is irrelevant.
Three: Sheree’s attorneys argue “that based on her lack of education and inability to earn income, the court abused its discretion by not awarding alimony.” Well, damn, your lawyers are painting you out to be an ignorant, lazy mother. I’m not sure I’d appreciate that kind of defense argument.
Four: OK, here’s my biggest issue. Why would the legal system allow this case to tie up the Georgia Supreme Court? I’m thinking there are more pressing issues at hand than Sheree’s lack of alimony.
I can’t wait for Season Two. I hope Kim, Sheree and NeNe all have to share an apartment ‘cause their asses are broke. Lisa could make an occasional cameo. And DeShawn is far too nice for this crew.
Besides, she obviously needs to focus on her fund-raising skills.
Question: Does Sheree deserve a damn nickel of spousal support!?! Why is the court system seemingly so favorable to women when it comes to matters of divorce? Does this, added to NeNe's off-camera drama, essentially mean the end of RHOA?
Sheree Whitfield appeals divorce to Ga. Supreme Court [AtlantaJournalConstitution]
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(Never watched the show, so my opinion is based on what I've read and heard about this car wreck of a reality show.)
No, she doesn't deserve anything. She should've went to school and/or learned a trade so that she could be self-sufficient. I can kinda see where he could give her a house solely for the sake of the children having a place to live, but even then he gave her a big lump sum and she gets extra money per month.
This isn't about her kids, based on my limited knowledge of the situation. This is all about her and her image. Quite selfish in my opinion.
And yeah, her lawyers make her sound real ridiculous. Hell, maybe they want her to lose *trying not to laugh*.
Just re-read the article. She needs to sit down and shut her mouth.
"She receives $113,422 a year from the divorce, not enough for her live the lifestyle she’s used to and clearly not at the level of what the hit Bravo show conveys. Sheree also received a lump sum of $775,000, shares of Whitfield’s retirement pension, nearly half of the marital property and child support."
This woman deserves absolutely nothing. What type of woman takes pride in being a dumbass? I tell you what type, a fucking GOLDDIGGER that's who. This chick had 14 years to improve her life's stock and set an example for her daughters, instead she decided to be an obsessive shopper and live the life of "Atlanta's Elite" What a fucking joke. This right here is why you have to have standards and make better choices when looking for a life mate. My girlfriend is a former H.S. and College Track All American. Her mother is probably one of the most beautiful 50+ black women I've ever seen and on a good day my baby could pass for Hillman's own Whitley Gilbert, however the thing I love about her and attracted to the most about her is not her beauty or the fact that going on five years after graduation you can still bounce a quarter of her ass. It's the fact that when we graduated we both walked across stage with honors. A woman should satisfy your intellect as well as your loins, word to Prince Hakeem. Bob went to Stanford so I'm surprised he allowed himself to get swept up by a dumb chick with game and a mouth piece, who in all honestly is not really that attractive and def. not as attractive as she thinks she is. I'm sure over the years Bob encouraged her to improve herself but its always easier to sit on your ass and pop out babies rather than working hard to improve yourself. And if you're that concerned with maintaining your standard of living; take some of that tax free $100,000+ you were awarded in yearly spousal support, an amount of money that most of the U.S. work force doesn't see in yearly salary working 50+ hours a week, and apply it towards tuiton expenses. I mean hell you can even do it over the internet nowadays so what is the problem. This is a prime example of a no good woman abusing the court system and the laws set up to protect women,and in some cases men, who really need help raising their kids when their husbands, or wives, leave them cut and dry with nothing. Yeah she devoted her life to raising a family and being a mother to their children, allegedly, but she also was handsomely rewarded for doing so. $700,000 in the bank, a million dollar estate and more money to come sounds like something most successful business people could acheive in 14 years of hard work and she just had it handed to hear and balked at it like it was nothing. I mean this chick is gonna get a piece of his pension and did nothing to earn it. He risked life and limb, literally, playing years of football and has to take an L! Where are his rights in all this? In the words of my boo, "Bitch get your shit together!"
OK, Ms. She by Sheree, if you weren't in official golddigger air before your ass has landed squarely there.
Apparently her desire for more money overwhelms any feelings she has about looking ignorant. Her lifestyle is more important than her disnity cause this broad has chosen to pull out the "I'm just a dumb girl who didn't know any better" routine and she is running with it.
She was more than fairly compensated for her time and it really pisses me off as a woman when I see something like this. I lost my job in September and this chick is tying up court time cause $113,422 a year is not enough for her to live on. Girl stop and get a clue and throw a life up there while you are at it. I bet Bob regrets the day he ever met her...
No, she doesn't deserve what she already got, let alone more. This whole divorce system needs to be thrown out and remade. $113K/year plus a lump sum of $775K PLUS part of his retirement PLUS child support.
NO freaking way does she need any more money. She needs to get a job, or build her own business or invest and live prudently.
Just a clarification note/question. Did he receive ALL of that $30 million? The only part of that contract that was guaranteed was the $8 million. if he got hurt or released that $30 million is not guaranteed.
as far as does she deserve more? usually I would say heck naw, but maybe she does deserve a little something more depending on how much of his football salary was guaranteed. If I were the judge I would have taken his pension out of her "winnings" (dude deserve every penny of that crappy NFL pension since he destroyed his body for it) and give her a tiny bit more up front money (say a cool million plus the alimony and child support she is already receiving)....and this is coming from a guy that thinks the whole divorce system is jacked up to begin with.
imo, she should have gotten her dang GED or something while she was married to him. her only having a 10th grade education is her own dag fault. stop trying to start businesses and GO TO FREAKING SCHOOL TO LEARN THE BASICS. If she were a little more "knowledgable" she would know to invest a good portion of that $700,000+ so that she would be just fine.
I still think Lisa is cuter than Sheree.
Anyways, cribbing from a comment on another post about this H.A.M., "ho, sit down."
If the amount she is receiving is not in line with the lifestyle to which she is accustomed, sounds like it's time to get accustomed to a new lifestyle. She's going to mess around with nothing but attorney's fees to pay.
Oops, that's she's going to mess around and END UP WITH NOTHING but attorney's fees to pay.
Full disclosure: I think Sheree is tacky, but not for the reasons AB and the comments thus far have written.
Yes, AB is right that the legal system is letting this tie up the court with this nonsense. The law is unfair and unbalanced when it comes to divorce and child custody.Part of the reason for that is because WE are all so interested in the financial aspect and not what really matters, the time. NO ONE SHOULD BE ABLE OR EXPECTED TO WRITE A CHECK, TAKE THEIR CHILDREN OUT EVERY OTHER WEEKEND LIKE NETFLIX AND CALL THAT BEING A FATHER. Is Bob more interested in his bank account than his children?
While economic self-sufficiency has always been expected of men, this is new territory for women. The birth control pill (FDA approved in 1960), new laws offering equal protection and a changing economy led to 60% of women in the workforce by 1980. Along with all of the -isms that brothers have dealt with, sisters have had to be miracle workers in order live in this "capitalist" (bailouts notwithstanding) "democracy" (election fraud notwithstanding). Not every woman was raised by her family, church, schools and certainly not by this government to be economically productive. Most of the above simply want us to be mules and incubators for them. New game, same rules.
Sheree has attempted to start two businesses- good for her! I thought that was part of OUR goal! Yes, they failed. Newsflash - most do!
With regard to the comment, "she wants millions for having a mans kids and little more..." AB, like my Grandma used to say, "You need Jesus!" To demean motherhood is the lowest of low. Get right brother, get right.
@ VOD
I agree. This has nothing to do with the kids. Notice she isn't requesting an increase in child support.
@ Bonnie
I think the fact that he wifed this chick says a lot more about the husband's decision making ability than her character. Or at least just as much. Are you tellin' me this cat went the Stanford, but couldn't read the obvious signs?
@ Shady
I agree, the whole divorce system needs an overhaul. She did nothing to earn this money. He was the one running suicides in 95 degree heat, getting cortisone shots, and having to hold off Reggie White.
@ Dok
He played 12-13 seasons and was a Pro-Bowler. He was also a top 10 draft pick. Unless he restructured his contract at some point, he likely made all the $30M, which is actually more like $12M or so after taxes, pension, players ass'n dues, and agent commission.
Note: I embellished the "high school dropout" thing for comedic effect. She did actually finish high school. I'm willing to bet that she has "some college" albeit not a degree, but calling her a hapless "high school grad" makes for a more compelling and sympathetic story.
@ Singlike
I know some folks like Lisa cause she has the Blackanese thing going on, but honestly she does nothing for me. Sheree wins the looks competition by default.
@ Anonymous (aren't they always?)
I didn't write the piece. You may have missed the large type that clearly said GUEST POST, but that's neither here nor there.
"Is Bob more interested in his bank account than his children?"
I think that's a bullsh*t argument. The husband's side of the story isn't presented here, so I think it's ill advised to make any assumptions about how involved a parent he is. You could argue that she isn't being a good parent because she hasn't found a reliable way to become self-sufficient. Assuming she has daughters, what exactly is she teaching them about being independent with such actions? Again, we don't know anything but the mother's PoV.
"Most of the above simply want us to be mules and incubators for them.
I have no idea what that paragraph meant.
"Sheree has attempted to start two businesses- good for her! I thought that was part of OUR goal! Yes, they failed. Newsflash - most do!"
Wow, so you're telling me that merely "trying" is good enough? Suppose the husband just "tried" to make the NFL and didn't. Would she still feel entitled to live this lifestyle?
"AB, like my Grandma used to say, "You need Jesus!" To demean motherhood is the lowest of low.
Assuming your name isn't "Sheree Whitfield", I have no idea how you can read my comments in aggregate and make the assumption that I'm demeaning motherhood. I'm demeaning a lack of self-sufficiency and self-determination. Not furthering yourself and acting like you're entitled to a certain lifestyle that you only marginally contributed to creating, long after the means for that lifestyle (the NFL career) is gone, is the definition to stoopid. And if you think I need Jesus for that opinion, then maybe you need him more.
F*ck outta here, mane!
See, this is why I'm about to require everyone to have a login to leave comments.
First of all I didn't really care for Sheree on the show but I need a lil more info. to make a decision regarding the court decision.
1. Why are they getting divorced? I heard he was a straight player.
2. Did he prevent her from going back to school. You know a lot of well of men do not want their wives in school. They want them at home with them and their kids.
3. How much is this man worth?
I think they should give her the house. I hate to children move when their parents get a divorce because having your parents split up is bad enough.
I think she's been provided with more than enough income to live in the city of Atlanta in a decent enough house. It's not like she's living on the east coast or something like that.
She does need to go sit down. And take a correspondence course or something.
@AB
If you did not say EVERYTHING that I wanted to about the Anon comment! That was a BS argument right there. No one was putting down motherhood as not being a job. There's plenty of people who are mothers and are damn good at it, and WORK hard at it. Think about it, Sheree don't look after her kids like that. She had to have a nanny for that.
As for the #2 in the article: it has nothing to do with the kids. She wants the money for herself. She said it herself on the show, she wants a 7 figure divorce settlement so she can keep living the same lifestyle. Matter of fact is she wanted to keep the same lifestyle she should have stayed with her husband.
Back to the Anon comment. Yeah she tried starting 2 businesses, but if she would have at least taken some business classes she would have been better off with that.
With $110/yr and a $700K bonus check, she has nothing to bitch about. I'd slap my momma for $700K. Hell, I'd slap her twice.
Then I'd buy her a new car to say sorry.
Marriage is the worst business arrangement for men, period.
Take away the child factor; marriage is a business arrangement in all other areas.
Earnings, retirement, investments all have nothing to do with LOVE.
Have your business together in order before you sign the paper, it is not in your best interest to do otherwise.
@SPOOL
YOU's a FOOL. You ain't lying, for $700K I'd slap the stew outta momma. I'll dig up grandmomma too and slap her silly.
@AB and article
You said it before, WHY get married? There's no way for that guy to win with this arrangement. But he knew what he was doing way before this moment. She ain't no gold digger because most people would do exactly what she's doing. You're going to get the most entitled by law. If you could get $110,000/yr and $700k up front would you ask for anything less? Heck no. Her lawyer's job is to get the most possible so if he has to play the lack of education card.....then play it. You PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!
A couple things...
1. This case is likely not tying up the Atlanta Court System. In most cases, people have a right to appeal, and her lawyers are exercising that right.
2. She isn't likely to prevail because the judge awarding her $113K a year in alimony + $775K in a lump sum + half their marital property, child support and his pension is not an abuse of his discretion. Quite frankly, she made out well for herself.
3. And for those questioning her husband for "putting their children out" of that 2.6 million dollar home. Did you just see what he paid HER. Please, those kids can live comfortably in a half-million dollar home. They will not be out on the street and you guys have no idea what other properties they have.
SIMPLY PUT, she MADE OUT... and she is unlikely to prevail on appeal.
What she deserves is basically what her lawyer can determine in court.
Why are courts so favorable to women? Because many of the laws involving gender are antiquated and reflect years past. And there are so many other reasons.
THis post and some of the comments are hilarious. Thanks AB!
I have mixed thoughts about this stuff. Although it's easy to become emotional about the facts, I don't think the law considers that. Laws are technical. In some courts, 'common law' relationships have just as many rights as those who are married.
I think both genders should be careful about what they're getting into prior to marriage. Marriage can negatively affect both sides especially after kids and debts have accrued.
As a mother, I know that there is not a sufficient amount of money that can be attached to being a mom. As a former wife I feel that alot of support is needed for the couple to be financially successful. This support is not lessened because one person is more successful or educated.
I can't judge this case because just from the facts presented here, it seems he knew what he was doing. He not only married her, he chose to have two children with her. In all of his quest for knowledge, apparently he lacked in wisdom. Wisdom would have allowed him to get a prenuptial agreement, to check out his financial status and to make the necessary precaution steps.
It's easy to say she should have had plenty of time to complete her education; to 'better' herself, to invest her money...blah, blah, blah. I'm not sure.
@cinco
You nailed it. He knew what he was getting into WAAAAY before this. He knew what kind of education she had. He talked to her before they got married.....knew what kind of chick she was.
Unless she was real-life version of Sunshine from Harlem Knights, I don't know what he was thinking. She might be related to supa head......you just never know.
She made the right choice about who to "Rabbit Dance" with. This time it paid off.
Personally, I don't think dude has that kind of money anymore. When they say someone has "ventures" in other countries, I am immediately suspect.
to be honest, she should be happy with the settlement.
i don't care what anyone says, the divorce/support courts are HIGHLY in favor of the women (which makes sense because the women are usually left with the children).
I do think the author did demean her role as a mom. BUT there is a difference between a mother of a multimillionaire (at one time) and the mother of someone who's husband makes 50K a year.
@cjames, I understand playing the game to win, but there is no way in hell I'd let anyone paint me as uneducated and therefore unable to do better. She should be satisfied.She made out like a fat rat. She gets a big ho sit down from me. There are a million damn colleges in Atlanta, go get an associate's degree or a certificate in something. She should have at least gone to Bauder or the Fashion Institute before launching that tired ass boutique. (Then maybe she would have known just because you're good at dressing up and shopping doesn't mean you'll be good at being a retailer.)
I do not understand for the life of me women who primarily or solely depend on a man for their income.I just don't get it. And just because he procreated with you does not mean he's going to be there to write you a check every month! What happens if he loses everything? What happens if his ass dies? My advice for all women--get your own! (and not by being a jump-off or gold-digger)
But if you must be a jump-off or gold-digger, invest wisely and make sure you've got your money stashed away somewhere where no one else can get at it.
And another thing, that whole lifestyle excuse...what the hell was her lifestyle like before she met him? I'm sure it's not so far back in the distant past that she can't revive those memories and get to clippin coupons again, or whatever she was doing.
Although, I suspect that her pre-Bob life was similar to her during Bob life and if she was paying close attention while attending all those "elite" Atlanta society events, she should already have a list of potential victims, and therefore will be able to live a similar post-Bob lifestyle. (Like Kim :)) There are available ballers all over the A. She should get her girl Lisa to hook her up. LOL!
For that kind of alimony, I'd consider hiring a hitman if I was the husband.
Yeah, some chicks just gotta die for that kind of financial raping.
(Present company excluded)
*runs*
EG
@cinco & cjames,
"I can't judge"
. . . "it seems"
"he apparently lacked in wisdom"
". He knew what kind of education she had. He talked to her before they got married.....knew what kind of chick she was. "
------
The fact is we do not know what their situation was when they first met. Many spouses discover new things about their counterparts years into their marriage?
So it is easy to say that he did not know what kind of woman she would become.
People do change over time.
Update for you AB:
She dropped her appeal because Mr. Whitfield is indeed broke.
http://www.accessatlanta.com/entertainment/content/entertainment/stories/2009/01/12/sheree_housewives_divorce.html
@Vee (Scratch)
ROFLMAO!!! I love it. HELLO!!! You're exhusband is just as broke as you claim to be now because you're taking all of his money!!!! LOL (not that I want either of them to be hurting for money, but it looks like neither is though)
@VEE
Yeah but you know if the trick is dumb as rock. If you can't tell that right away the maybe she wasn't the dumb one.
And yes you are correct people do change a bit. But generally the core person is the same. he just never bothered to get to know that person until it was too late. I am not a person that says you should date two years or whatever but you do need a chance to "see" the core person. Generally that core will show up sooner or later. Most people can't "fake it" for too long. Money can help you keep a facade long though
Goes to show there is simply no reason to get married if you are rich. There is absolutely no benefit at at all.
Just a quick "thank you" to AB for allowing me to be the first "non bro" guest poster!! It's a true honor.
Thanks to everyone for the comments...the good...the bad...the ugly.
And, Spool, while I usually want to wring your neck you did make me LOL!!
Let's hope Season II doesn't disappoint!
READ THIS MFER's
Every single last one of you have never been marreied to a rich man or woman. i wouldn't be suprised if you have never been married at all, (but you probably have kids.) Home girl Sheree or whatever needs to get it however she can. LADIES please stop hatin on other females and band together, cuz if a rich man ever decided to marry your lower end /mediocre a**, and you gave your life to him for 14 darned years, and popped 2 big headed a** kids out of yo coochie for him you'd want some money too, after he got tired and discarded of you. Right now you popbably wishin your child support check was fatter.
Sheree is sooo full of shit. I hated how she acted as though she was some envy-of-all-women show-stopper. But look at her now. Allowing her lawyer to portray her as some ignant, barely-graduated-from-HS broad. Does self-respect come with a price? She's setting a poor example for her kids.
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