Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed some unfortunate news on Friday night, sharing word that he and his wife, Loreal, have jointly filed for divorce.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Sarkisian noted that professional commitments had strained their marriage and ultimately led to this parting of ways.
After many heartfelt conversations, we have decided to amicably part ways and jointly file for divorce,” the statement read. “We aim to remain the best of friends and are incredibly grateful for the love and support we have shared throughout our journey together.
“Our commitments to our respective careers made it difficult to prioritize time for each other and this step will provide us with the necessary time and space professionally while continuing to support each other personally.
“While we appreciate all the love and encouragement we have received, we kindly ask for your understanding and privacy during this transition as we embark on this new chapter in our lives.”
On her personal Instagram page, Loreal, a wardrobe stylist and philanthropist who also ran track at North Carolina A&T and served as a USC assistant coach, shared the same joint message.
The couple married in 2020 when Sarkisian held the role of offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama. He had credited Loreal with getting his career back on solid ground after a high-profile firing from USC in 2015.
Sarkisian, 50, has two daughters with his first wife, Stephanie.
Congratulations appear to be in order for University of Texas assistant head coach Jeff Banks, who announced on Instagram earlier this week that he has married longtime girlfriend Dani Thomas.
“Incredible 72 hours with our family and closest friends! We truly love you all now off to Barcelona for our honeymoon!” Banks wrote.
The love story between Banks and Thomas is one for the books. It has a little bit of everything and the kitchen sink. Also a monkey.
Thomas, a former exotic dancer, famously appeared on The Jerry Springer Show in 2017 under her stage name “Pole Assassin.” During her performance, Thomas incorporated a monkey, Gia, that would go on to gain its own fame four years later.
On Halloween in 2021, Thomas built a haunted house and maze for Trick-or-Treater’s. Unfortunately, one of the children made their way to the back gate and ventured into the yard where they were then allegedly bitten by Gia.
Amy and Casey Clinkenbeard, the parents of the injured child, later sued Thomas and Banks over the incident.
Based on photos and videos from the wedding, it does not appear Gia received an invite to the festivities.
Steve Spurrier offered a surprising comment about the rival Florida State Seminoles.
Spurrier was a guest on “A Peek Inside Florida Gators Football” with Ali Peek and was asked about the conference realignment. Peek asked Spurrier what conference he thought Florida State and Clemson should join if they leave the ACC as they are trying to do.
“I think FSU definitely belongs in the SEC,” Spurrier said. “Clemson sorta belongs there also, but I dunno if the SEC wants to go to 18 teams.”
Not only did Spurrier play it straight with Florida State, but he added that he thought the Seminoles would fare well in the SEC.
“They’d do very well. And I think Clemson would do pretty well. They would do better in the ACC as far as winning conference championships, but they want to be in the big time. I think within maybe 2-3 years, they will be in a different conference,” he said.
Spurrier is known for being a legendary trash-talker, so it’s surprising that he did not break out some sort of barb for Florida’s big rival. After all, Spurrier both played and coached at Florida, and he coached the Gators during the height of their rivalry with the Seminoles in the ’90s. Has the 79-year-old Spurrier mellowed out? Where was the zinger for the ‘Noles?
Leave a Reply