Caron Butler, part of the new-look Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA talks of his love story with wife of 10 years, Andrea on the eve of Valentine's Day.
Caron Butler and Andrea reflect the anti-reality show view of NBA relationships. The "Basketball Wives" series isn't the best showcase for the couples who are featured and the Butlers are ready to let America know there is another side to love and basketball.
Butler chose to sign with the L.A. Clippers after winning a championship ring with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Unfortunately, Butler suffered a torn patella tendon that kept him off the court for the playoff run but he has high hopes for this season.
Together with center DeAndre Jordan and forward Blake Griffin, Butler joined one of the most talented starting lineups in the league, including newly acquired Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups He has prospered with the Clippers who have compiled a record of 17-8
Butler and the Clippers are one game away from returning to LA after a 10 day road trip and Butler is happy for the chance to spend time with Andrea and their three daughters Mia, Ava and Gia. "They are all my Valentines," said Butler. "My heart, my loves, my life."
With the challenges presented by long absences from home and the usual concerns about what is available to a high profile, wealthy athlete the Butlers seem to have figured out what works for them to keep their marriage alive and well.
Butler says, "We keep it interesting because we really love each other. My wife is a firecracker with Jamaican blood. She keeps me guessing and that is interesting!"
Andrea adds, "Caron is like a cup of Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea. He keeps me calm and relaxed when I get worked up. Somehow our different personalities keep us well connected. We "even" each other out."
They have moved four times during his career. It isn't the easiest road to travel particularly with children, one of whom is school age.
"This move was tough because we had already put my oldest daughter in school. At first we considered not having them with me in Los Angeles so things could remain familiar. But once I got out there and was on my own, there was no way I was going to not have them there. I am a huge family man and it felt lonely without them."
They are "old souls", says Andrea about their traditional dinner and movie on Valentine's Day but Caron Butler knows there's more to it. He advises men to cough up the dough for roses too, because no matter what they say, the ladies do love them.
Andrea reciprocates by creating things along with their daughters. "For example one year we made a scrapbook of all his highlights since college. He loved it! I still catch him looking through it every summer when we go home."
Caron and the Clippers play his former mates the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, available through the NBA League Pass package for cable and satellite viewers.
Image credit: Swanson Communications, used with permission
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