Love, sports and infidelity

The latest controversy around cricketer Mohammed Shami’s marriage has brought the rampant issue of sportspersons’ infidelity back under the scanner. While Shami has denied the allegations and demanded a thorough investigation into what wife Hasin Jahan is claiming, his contract has been put on hold by BCCI, and his chances of playing for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL also looks bleak.

While reported cases of Indian sportsmen cheating on their wives are few and far between, it’s quite prevalent in the western world with an array of high-profile athletes having been accused of being unfaithful.   

David Beckham with wife Victoria.

After all, Muhammad Ali, considered the greatest sportsman of the century, had a “dark” side, according to his second wife, Khalilah Ali. Khalilah, in a book, revealed that Ali was a sex addict whose conquests in the bedroom rival his victories in the boxing ring. Muhammad Ali was married four times.

Boxer Mike Tyson was the wild one in this matter, often boasting that he had slept with at least 2,000 women, besides wreaking physical havoc on his wife. Another scandal that shook the sporting world was Tiger Woods’ series of affairs.  

Researchers in the UK suggested that men who play team sports are likely to use that as an excuse to hide an affair. According to the study by GolfSupport.com, rugby players, footballers and golfers are among the top culprits in covering up their infidelity by claiming they are training or playing a match.

Tiger Wood with Elin Nordegren.

“Testosterone levels are further enhanced by resistance training, which is a common part of a rugby player’s workout. And when it comes to football, a 2012 study claimed that playing a 90-minute football match increased testosterone levels by 30 per cent,” the report published on Independent.co.uk said.

Bangladeshi fast bowler Mohammad Shahid, who faced similar charges to that of Shami, says the Indian pacer can still make his marriage work. “My wife and I are not divorced but very well-settled in our lives now. We live peacefully and go to drop my children in the school. Hope similar situation arrives in Shami’s life too,” the 30-year-old bowler said.

Shahid had to pay the consequences for the much-publicised domestic abuse. “Shahid was in our national team but was released immediately after the incident. He was holding the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) contract but was immediately removed from the list,” BCB president Nazmul Hasan said.

— With inputs from Bipin Dani

Tiger Woods-Elin Nordegren
In 2009, Woods admitted transgressions and apologised. And soon, more than a dozen women claimed to have had affairs with Woods.

Shane Warne-Simone Callahan
The former Aussie spinner was caught in ‘sexual escapades’ in England in 2005 and his wife immediately decided to part ways.

Wayne Rooney-Coleen
The English footballer has been in the news for his many affairs. Reportedly his wife Coleen, who was pregnant with their fourth kid, considered divorcing him. However, the couple patched up after having the baby.

Brett Lee-Liz Kemp
The former Australian pacer’s alleged relationship with a rugby player ended his two-year marriage with Kemp.

Ashley Cole-Cheryl Tweedy
Rumours of Ashley’s infidelity surfaced in 2008. But in 2010, when more allegations were made, Cheryl filed for divorce.

Tony Parker-Eva Longoria
Eva discovered the NBA star’s infidelity when she read several text messages to the wife of one of his ex-teammates.

David Beckham-Victoria
In 2004 the English footballer’s PA, Rebecca Loos, claimed she had been having an affair with him behind the back of wife Victoria.