Monique James is a successful businesswoman and art lover. However, she is most famous as the mother of NBA star Gary Payton II and the ex-wife of former NBA champion and Hall of Famer Gary Payton. James’ ex-husband, Gary Payton, played the point guard position and is arguably one of the best point guards ever.
During his NBA days, Gary Payton played with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. However, he is best known for his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he holds outstanding records in assists.
Due to his defensive abilities, he earned the nickname “the Glove” and got inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. As a result of her husband’s fame and her son’s success, Monique James has gained the attention of fans.
Here’s a look into the life of the former celebrity spouse.
Who Is Gary Payton’s Ex-Wife?
Due to her sheltered lifestyle, most details about Monique James’ early life are unknown. However, online reports suggest that when she was younger, James was into athletics. She ran track and did the high and long jump. In addition, she was the most athletic in her class and a basketball star in her own right.
Although the former NBA star’s ex-wife has not revealed details about her elementary education, she reportedly attended Skyline High School in Oakland. While at the school, she played basketball for the school’s team and ran 100 meters, 200 meters, and hurdles. In addition, she met her ex-husband, Gary Payton, who played basketball for the school’s team.
Although she didn’t pursue basketball professionally, she makes a living talking about sports. Monique James is a co-host on the “Outta Pocket Show,” where they discuss sports on YouTube. Aside from this, she also shows off her skills as an artist on Instagram and spends time with her children.
When Did Gary Payton and Monique James Tie the Knot?
Although the former couple met in high school, there are no details regarding when they started dating. However, Monique James and her ex-husband tied the knot on July 26, 1997. According to reports, the then-couple had been together for almost ten years, had two children, and were expecting a third before they eventually had their wedding ceremony.
James and her ex-husband had a lavish ceremony with over 400 guests and spent over $200,000. Although their wedding was star-studded, Gary Payton’s long-time Seattle SuperSonic teammate, Shawn Kemp, was absent. According to reports, Kemp was absent due to a conflict with the then-team managers.
Since Monique James and her ex-husband had been together for a long time before their wedding, many thought their marriage would last forever. Unfortunately, their blissful days as a couple did not endure, and their happily ever after soon came crashing down.
When Did Monique James and Gary Payton Divorce?
Due to her husband’s numerous infidelities, Gary Payton’s ex-wife filed for divorce, and they finally parted ways in 2012. However, several years later, the 8-time NBA All-Star revealed how much he regretted his infidelity and actions that eventually led to their separation.
Monique James’ ex-husband added that he wasn’t at his best when they parted ways, and he’d change the hurt he caused his ex-wife if he could. In 2016, when they inducted Gary Payton into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he invited Monique James to accompany him.
This act led to speculations about them getting back together. However, the former NBA player cleared the air in an interview that he invited her to accompany him because she was there with him before the fame and deserved every honor bestowed upon him.
How Many Kids Does Monique James Have?
Nicknamed the “mother of champions,” Monique James has three kids, Gary II, Raquel, and Julian Payton, with her ex-husband. Her first son, Gary Dwane Payton II, was born in 1992. Like his father, he pursued a basketball career and started playing for his school’s team in high school. In addition, he was also part of the swim team. While his father is called “The Glove,” Gary Payton II calls himself “The Mitten.”
As talented as his mom in sports, Gary II improved his school’s basketball team points at Salt Lake Community College in Utah. Afterward, he transferred to Oregon State, where he became the first two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Since then, James’ first son has played in other competitions and, ultimately, the NBA.
Unlike her elder brother, Monique James’ daughter, Raquel Payton-Childs, stays away from the limelight. Consequently, there are no details regarding her upbringing. However, online reports suggest she married basketball coach Jesse Childs, and they have a son together.
Last but not least is Julian Payton. Like his sister, Julian also shies away from the spotlight. However, he gained media attention when he got into an accident in 2019. Three years later, his mom took to Instagram to reveal that he survived the crash.
Aside from these three, Monique James’ ex-husband has another son, Gary Payton Jr., who was born around the same time as Gary Payton II, from his extra-marital affair.
Over the years, Monique James has proven that she plans her life around her kids. Like football star Kylian Mbappé’s mom, Fayza Lamari, her love for them grows as her family expands and includes grandchildren.