Lance Briggs: Child Support or Baby Mama Support II: A different perspective

“At this point, I’m not interested in having a relationship. At this point, all I am interested in is him being a present father that’s around. I’m interested in him providing for our daughter and settling this matter so we both can move on with our lives. I really don’t want to be fighting everyday” -Brittini Tribbett

DISCLAMER: I learned about this story yesterday, and based my previous entry off of the “Briggs says he’ll do right by his daughter” Tribune article (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-071219bears,1,4581949.story?ctrack=4&cset=true) where I took the point of view of Briggs and his lawyer, Randall Kessler.  Today, I found a different story and it was three days earlier than the aforementioned story. In “Briggs in Legal Battle” (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-071217briggs,1,217519.story?ctrack=3&cset=true) we have more the side of Tribbett.  Again, my previous entry was hasty and reckless, and I have edited it.

According to the “Briggs in Legal Battle” and “Broken Promises” stories on Dec. 17, this is what we know to be true.

-Briggs and Tribbett were indeed involved in a relationship. The story said that the two met a little more than a year ago via a mutual friend. Briggs and Tibbett talked about baby names and they settled in the Glenview condo. The daughter was born on Sept. 10

-Tribbett learned about two other women Briggs impregnated through MySpace. After learning about the two women, Tribbett moved out of the condo.

-In October, Tribbett filed a Paternity Suit to protect the interest of the child. This maneuver was amicable on both sides.

-Briggs then turned around took the credit card and the car that he gave to Tribbett and been slow in payments.

-Tribbett’s attorney, Enrico Mirabelli said that Briggs had provided $6,000 in support in the last six months, sans the car and condo. According to Mirabelli, this equals out to $250/week for six months.

-Briggs’ attorney, Randall Kessler said that the figure is $15,000 in three months, sans food, diapers, and other things that Briggs bought.

-Tribbett turned to family to help pay for diapers and formula.

-Kessler accused Tribbett of initially asking for a support package well over $110,000 a year.

-20 percent of net income is required by law for child support payment in Ill,

-20 percent in this case is $75,000/month

 Just like in the other piece, there are many questions surrounding this matter.

1) Is Briggs’ condo, car, credit card package really voluntary or just a way to maneuver and manipulate the law?

2) How can Tribbett go from one extreme to another with no middle ground?  Why is she relying on family for diapers and formula?

3) Does Briggs have evidence that the credit card may have been misused? Right now, it seems as if he took it because of the ‘amicable’ suit.

4) Why Briggs has not yet filed a formal response to this suit? It’s not like the Bears are in the playoff hunt.

5) Are the two women telling the truth about their babies? How do they know its Briggs’?

6) Why did the Chicago Tribune allow Kessler to portray Tribbett as a “golddigger” and “one night stand”? Did they reference the Dec. 17 story at all?

With that said, the daughter is still the real one who suffers. Three months old and her life is filled with confusion, turmoil and accusations from both parents. It was reckless of me to prematurely call Tribbett a ‘Jumpoff’ when I didn’t initially know the context of the relationship. I’m now questioning ‘golddigger’ at this point because $250.00/wk, $1,000/month, $6,000/six months is unreasonable and anemic if the father is making millions of dollars. However, there should be some middle ground for payment. According to Illinois law, the minimum is 20 percent of net income. If 20 percent of whatever Briggs’ net worth is, regardless of contract (Briggs is a Free Agent after the season), Tribbett should get that and nothing more and nothing less.

After getting this support, Tribbett should continue to attend school and make a better life for herself and her child. She should go about her life before she met Lance Briggs. Put that money to good use.

For you guys whining and complaining about child support, my position still stands. Be an active participant in your children’s development. Spend your time as well as your money. If you don’t want the deal with the mother, you don’t have to. When it comes to the well being of your child, you would find a way to make it work. You guys play in pain right? Surely, you can endure this matter and come out in one piece.

Speaking of you guys, I have something for yall in the next entry. To others, feel free to discuss the questions asked.

 

 

 

 

Lance Briggs: Child Support or Baby Mama Support?

“I have had an open door policy toward parenting,” “Lance has apparently had and open-pants policy toward paternity.” - Loyola Student Brittini Tribbett

“Have I taken care of my child? Absolutely. I’ve been through a lot with this, but I will take care of my daughter first.”     -Bears LB Lance Briggs

 

 ”The women in these situations, they’re only worried about the money and getting lawyers and all that stuff,” “They’re not worried about the most important thing: the kids. As a father, you are going to take care of your child, and that’s all the woman should worry about. The kids are the only ones who matter.”  -Bears MLB Brian Urlacher

Bears, LB Lance Briggs is in a bit of ‘babymama’ drama today, as the mother of his three month old daughter is taking him to court for ‘failure to pay adequate support for the child’.  Brittini Tribbett claims that the Bears’ Pro Bowler only pays $250 weekly in child support, and she received a total of $5,200 in support since Sept. 27.  Tribbett filed paternity suit papers two months ago.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Briggs was paying for a north suburban condo for Tribbett and the daughter. In addition to the condo, Briggs rented a vehicle for her and provided her with a credit card. If that wasn’t enough, Briggs also gave Tribbett $10,000 for pregnancy and delivery related medical expenses. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-071219bears,0,3830640.story)

Currently, Tribbett moved out of the condo, and Briggs also took away the credit card and the rental car. However, Tribbett is still using Briggs’ Range Rover. So, basically Tribbett receives $1,000 monthly in child support, while Briggs’ 2007 salary is $7.2 million.

The smaller picture is: “$250.00 is nothing. Tibbett should receive 20 percent of Briggs’ income! This is wrong!”

The bigger picture is: “Briggs went above and beyond what was required for support. He kept Tibbett in a condo, provided her with a car, credit card, and paid for medical expenses.”

So, what happened between the child’s birth and September? Why was this arrangement acceptable at first, and now it is not? Why did Lance Briggs take everything back? Could it be….

A) Greed

B) Irresponsibility on Tibbett’s part

C) Council from Briggs’ handlers

D) Tibbett’s discovery that she may not be the only babymom in Briggs’ life

E) All of the Above

F) None of the above

Honestly, the only person I feel sorry for here is the daughter.  The daughter is the one suffering here because she is growing up with a “golddigger” for a mother and her father is just plumb dumb. This is the same guy who wrecked a Lamborghini and fled the scene. If Briggs can do that, what makes you think he would be a responsible, active parent?

As for Urlacher, at least Briggs’ intentions were good at first. He did try to provide for the mom and the kid. It was greed that messed her up. Until Brian can pay his required 20 percent for his child with Tyna, he shouldn’t say a thing about this matter!

However, there is a solution for this mess. Briggs can file for joint or full custody for the child. Briggs have a decent shot of winning this way because he can probably conjure up an image of  Tribbett  being  an unfit mother and use ‘mishandling of finances’  as examples. Besides, If he really want to do right by this daughter, spending time with her and being somewhat of an active parent is more valuable than money.

Tribbett should continue her studies, get a job, and move on with her life. She wanted a baller, and got him for a night. It was what it was. If she’s mad because Lance doesn’t love her or never loved her, she should get over it and stop playing victim.  She knew that this guy was a prominent athlete, and she saw dollar signs.  Her mistake was being greedy. She had a condo, car, and credit card. Just think about how set she would be if she just went to school and still worked a job. After graduation, focus on a career.

In the future, Briggs should be more careful and responsible. He should strap up, use the condoms and limit the women he sees. Had he done this from jump, he wouldn’t be in the mess he is in now. Right now, the numbers of HIV and AIDS infections are high; getting a female pregnant should be the least of his worries.

Note: At the time of posting this entry, I was unaware of  additional details in this story. My opinion was very hasty, and I have tone down this post but that is not enough. I will be offering another post about this matter today and an additional post about these situations in general.

 

 

Divorce NFL Style Part 1

 

DISCLAIMER: Look, I know this may be trifling and in bad taste. However, I promised that no stone will be left unturned on this blog. Just like the Urlacher paternity issue, Blockbuster divorces in the league is just another part of the seedier side of the game! I hope that the following entries can promote some interesting dialouge to the age old debate about athletes and marriage!

The following appeared in the December 5th editon of the San Francisco Chronicle and their website the SF Gate (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/05/BAUJTO8FM.DTL) :

“Divorce court: Looks like 49ers great Jerry Rice may be about to jump from TV’s “Dancing With the Stars” to “The Bachelor.”

Records on file in San Mateo County family court show that the ex-wide receiver’s wife, Jacqueline Rice, filed for dissolution of the couple’s marriage back in June, and they are due back in court in mid-January. Meanwhile, their Atherton estate is listed for sale for a reported $22 million.

Jacqueline Rice’s attorney, Lindy Barocchi, told us only that “when the parties are ready to talk about it, they will. They have three children, and they would like the media to be mindful of the fact this is very private matter.”

Jerry Rice’s attorney, Stephen Montalvo, did not return calls seeking comment. “

Aight! Now inquiring minds want to know, what happened, while some emotional minds believe that Mrs. Rice had enough.  The cynical mind may say that she’s been talking to Shaunie O’Neal and Juanita Jordan, and want to break Jean Strahan’s record of $15 million dollars.

Folks can think whatever they like but the bottom line is this: 23 years together, and nearly 20 years of marriage is shot for reasons that they only know and what we can only speculate. Real talk, there is alot of speculation in the air.  There are a couple of gossip sites claiming that Jerry’s been “out there” while married, and he’s been out there for years.

Well if this is the case, the questions are: 1. Why did she stay? 2. Why did he get married in the first place?  I’m not even going to talk about the first question because it is not as simple as we may think. However the second question have been on my mind ever since Michael Jordan’s divorce. If you are an athlete and you know you cannot resist temptation, why in hell would you get married in the first place knowing that you may lose half of what you earned and own in the event of divorce?

The Rices and the Strahans are the latest in a growing list of NFL divorces over the past five years or so. Ahman Green is divorced after a domestic violence incident (2005) (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2005-04-28-ahman-green-divorce_x.htm), Coach Bill Parcells divorced his wife of 40 years (2002) (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1319895&type=news), Keyshawn Johnson divorced his wife in 2002 as well.

According to a USA TODAY article titled “Life After the NFL Typically A  Stuggle”   (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/super/2006-01-28-retirement-perils_x.htm), 78% of NFL players are divorced, bankrupt, or unemployed two years after retiring.

As everyone know by now, California is a community property state. Do the math! We are looking at  nearly 20 years together, three children (2 of them are minors), and 11 million if the house sells, Mrs. Rice is looking at a hefty settlement. Now watch folks ask “How many touchdowns did Jackie score?” just like  the questions of ” How many sacks did Jean Strahan make?”. Watch the outcries of she don’t deserve all of that money or she don’t deserve anything.

I have something for that in the next entry!

A Giant Beef

 

On Tuesday, Giants QB Eli Manning did something that was strange and out of character-showed passion!

The otherwise easygoing younger Manning responded to former teammate turned broadcaster Tiki Barber’s comments during halftime of the Giants/Ravens game on NBC.  According to Barber, Eli Manning is not a leader, and that pretty much pissed off Peyton’s lil brother.

Manning had this to say about Barber: “I could have questioned his leadership skills last year-calling out the coach, retiring in the middle of the season-that he lost heart.”

Right now, everyone is questioning Eli Manning. The media and fans are calling him overrated, questioning his leadership skills, and comparing him to Peyton. But what they fail to realize is there is no specific model for leadership. Eli takes the laid back approach, and that is okay. It is okay because the approach works for him, and making him to be something he isn’t will only ruin the Giants in the long run.

Some of the most successful quarterbacks are not the rah-rah type. Look at Joe Montana, Bart Starr, and even Tom Brady. They are not considered to be “firery” quarterbacks but they have the hardware.  Manning can have that same success if New York can get some quality receivers, a multi purpose back, a new coach, and a new system.

As far as Tiki goes, he’s just trying to prove himself to NBC. Barber is being overely critical of the Giants so people won’t accuse him of being biased. In my opinion, Tiki should calm his overrated ass down and stop trying so hard to appeal to the viewers. There is a long season ahead, so there is no need to rush and there is no need to be extremely harsh on your former team. It is possible to be fair and balanced in other ways, and Tiki should not have a problem learning them.

Will Demps on Groupie Love

Giants Safety by day, pretty boy by night, Will Demps opens up about those thirsty groupies out there in the September edition of Essence.  In the article, Demps honestly said. “I’ve had my share of fun with these types. I’ve flown beautiful women with agendas to big games. I’ve wined and dined them at the fanciest restaurants knowing I could’ve shared my bed with three at a time. They hang in packs like vultures posed with breasts spilling out their shirts. In the end, I know these women can never fufill a need beyond my libido.”

The article also claimed that Demps quit the habit.

While Demps’ candor is honsest, frank and real, this isn’t earth shattering news. However, I did find some interesting things in his statement.

While Will apparently knows the difference between a respectable woman and a thirsty groupie and still mess with the groupies anyway, he’s no better than they are. The brunt of responsibility should shared equally. While tempting and inviting, these athletes have the right to say no ,just like the women.

Secondly, I find it gentlemanly that Will spoil  these groupies especially since he knows what they are all about. On the other hand, he should change that. Demps should save all of that spoiling for his girfriend or wife. Treat the groupie decent but not that decent. If Demps in fact changed, saying that the woman who ends up with him is lucky is an obscene understatement.

As far as the last part in Demps statement is concerned, I say this: There are plenty of women out here that can fufill your needs in and out of the boridoir! Based on your stunning looks, level head, and your rep for being one of the NFL’s “good guys”, finding this woman should be easy.  If this is what you want, go and find her!

Maybe quitting the “thirsty” groupie habit might be the best thing that he could have ever done for his game on the field.  This year, I would love to see Will cure himself of the “Johnnie Morton Syndrome” and have a successful year. While handsome looks and flash is great off the field, it doesn’t matter on it!  As a safety, Demps should be knocking out receivers and ends like he did Jermey Shockey in last year’s training camp. Speaking for myself and the legions of other female football fans, we would love to see more of you ,perferably in early to middle February!

Thirsty Old Man

 

According to penthouse pet/model Kimberly Williams, NFL Hall Of Famer Marcus Allen would not leave her alone. She told Steppin Out Magazine that based on a few phone calls, Allen ’seemed like a really nice guy’. That was until she found his myspace page filled with chicks showing grattitude for “lunch”. Williams also discovered that Allen is a regular at the Playboy Mansion.   After those discoveries, Kimberly pulled away and Marcus blitzed her with 15 phone calls a day and text messages.

Williams said that Allen sent her a text where he said “Where the hell are you Kimberly?” and he also blew up at her for being nude on Howard Stern.

 Isn’t that some crazy stuff? Marcus, she don’t want you! Go back to  Hugh’s crib or back to your myspace and find another chick worth bothering. Don’t you have any pride? Don’t you feel ashamed for chasing recklessly? Is times that bad for you ?

I don’t blame Kimberly for giving her own rendition of the Heisman to Allen. I respect the fact that Kimberly wanted to pull away after seeing all of that. I respect her for trusting her instinct. As for Allen, I noticed in the articles where your lawyer said that it was the other way around. Whatever, you know if she was the pursuer, she wouldn’t have to be doing that for long since you were smitten with her from the start. You and your lawyer concocted that story to massage your bruised ego!

Chalk it up as a loss like I said and try again.  If push comes to shove, try out as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars. It worked wonders for Jerry’s and Emmitt’s profile with women. But whatever you do, don’t act thirsty. It’s unattractive and pathetic!

Parenting 101

 

“I’m glad she ordered parenting classes because Brian needs it,” “Based on his actions, he’s not a good role model, and I pray that he changes.”

-Tyna Robertson, Urlacher’s ex Jumpoff/midcard gold digger

According to USA Today, a Jolliet, Ill. judge ordered Brian Urlacher and his ‘ex’ Tyna Robertson to a three hour parenting class.

The two are supposed to take this class before their September 10th court date. In the USA Today article (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bears/2007-07-12-urlacher-classes_N.htm?csp=34), Judge Dinah Archambeault was on record as saying that this class “should help the pair learn how to deal with each other”. Surprisingly, Urlacher and Robertson do not have to attend together.

If I was Judge Archambeault, I would have made the cource at least three sessions for three hours and made those two attend them together. How can this judge expect for these two to learn how to deal with each other when they are not dealing with each other to air out their problems once and for all?

Tyna have a lot of nerve to say that Brian is not a good role model based on his actions when she is no better than he is. In actuality she could be worse than he is. Look at what she’s doing-the pending court case, the incidents with the boy’s father, that is enough to assume that she isn’t quite June Cleaver herself.  I honestly believe that she cares more about the money and status than the boy. I bet that after this situation dies down, she will try to get with another athlete.

Brian was wrong for calling the boy a p___y just because he happend to have a tantrum. The terrible twos are named as such for a reason. If Brian don’t like the way Tyna is rasing the kid, why not move him in with the two daughters? It’s not like he’s cramped for room. The only thing that is of concern with this scenero is Urlacher may make a difference between the son and the previous children.

The bottom line is this: Kennedy didnt ask to be in this situation. However, he is and it is up to Urlacher and Robertson to put their selfish and manuplitative agendas aside for the sake of this kid’s mental and emotional welfare.

When Keepin It Real Goes Wrong: The Text Edition

Remember when I said that this blog deals with all things NFL? Well, the league’s dirt and drama will not go undiscussed!

Today, the Chicago Sun Times reported that Bears all pro linebacker Brian Urlacher allegedly sent menacing and abusive text messages to ex girlfriend (jump off) Tyna Robertson. For those who are not familar with the story, Urlacher and Robertson have been batling in court over the custody of their two year old son, Kennedy. Currently, Urlacher is entitled to two weekdays and two weekends visitation monthly  during the Bears’ offseason.  In the matter of child support, Robertson currently receives $2,000 per month, which is not enough in her eyes and the eyes of Illinois Law. According to state law,  20 percent is the minimum ammount rewarded in child support cases.

Since the previous arragement is not good enough for Robertson anymore, she decided to resume the custody/support battle when she filed court papers on July 6th. In those papers, Robertson accused Urlacher of sending her more than 30 questionable and hostile text messages since January.  In the messages, Robertson claimed Urlacher called her  a “hooker”, “jealous b—-”, and once called their son a “p—y”. (for the messages in their entireity, go to this link: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/459625,CST-NWS-urlacher08.article)

Here’s my take on the whole thing, there are all sorts of wrong here on the parts of Robertson, Urlacher and even the league. Robertson’s credibility is questionable, and she has a history of manipulation. This was the same woman who accused “Lord Of The Dance Star” Michael Flatley of rape four years ago.  There is a $100 million countersuit of defimation by Flatley that is still pending.  In this latest spat, Urlacher’s attorney Donald Schiller said to the Sun Times that while he have not reviewed the filing in question but “it is our past experience that much of what she claims is self-serving fiction.” The question here is why did it take six months for Robertson to release the messages? Why didnt she make the first few messages public during January or duing Super Bowl XLI if she wanted to be taken seriously?

Urlacher is at fault for even going there with her allegedly. He knows what kind of person she is. He knows that Robertson has nothing to lose and everything to gain in this situation. For him to text her in that manner is only feeding into the drama and b.s. Like Jay Mariotti said in his editorial about the incident, Urlacher’s image can get seriously damaged and his endorcements can dry up quickly if he don’t quickly admit guilt if  he is guilty or handle this in a logical and respectful manner.

In this situation, I would like to call the NFL itself to the carpet. Now, Commissioner Roger Goodell is cracking down on the charcter of the players in the league, and all off season we have been hearing about the damned foolish adventures of ‘Pacman’ Jones, and Michael Vick’s ‘dog’ days of summer. Why we havent  heard about this incident from the NFL Network or NFL.com? If you are going crack down on character issues, do it all the way.