NBA stars are some of the biggest celebrities in the world. Therefore, it’s fairly common for NBA superstars to date Hollywood stars. For instance, Charles Barkley was linked to multiple models during his time in the league, including the likes of Madonna. However, none of his high-profile relationships endured the test of time and the Phoenix Suns legend ended up marrying a relatively lesser-known personality.

The 1993 MVP married Maureen Blumhardt, a model and businesswoman, and they have been going strong ever since their marriage. 

All about Maureen Blumhardt, wife of Charles Barkley

Maureen Blumhardt was an established model during her heyday. She specifically modeled for weight loss machines. Moreover, she also had a brief stint in the legal aid industry. Blumhardt and Barkley met in a Pennsylvania restaurant in the 1980s while Chuck was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. After dating for a while, the two tied the knot in 1989.

Following their marriage, Blumhardt and Barkley went through a rough patch in 1993 when the Suns’ star was linked with one of the biggest pop icons in the world, Madonna.

Interestingly, Madonna had once contacted the NBA star before an impressive playoff win. Furthermore, there were also rumors that the singer wanted Barkley to impregnate her.

“I think Charles is probably married. See, all the good ones are taken…but that doesn’t mean they can’t father your children!”, said Madonna during a Q&A according to GQ.

Despite these distractions and hiccups in their marriage, Blumhardt and Barkley held on just fine and are proud parents of a daughter who was welcomed into the world in 1989.

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Barkley received Madonna’s call right after an NBA legend’s call

The Phoenix Suns decimated the Seattle SuperSonics during Game 7 of the 1993 Western Conference Finals. Barkley led the charge scoring 44 points and 24 rebounds and was in high spirits.

The night before the game, he received a call from a friend turned foe Michael Jordan. The two shared a good relationship back then, and their relationship has drastically changed over the years. Interestingly, this wasn’t the only celebrity call Barkley answered that night.

Shortly after answering Jordan, Barkley received a call from Madonna! Although it is unclear how Madonna and Barkley had connected, the two were in contact in the weeks leading to the playoffs. Madonna was also spotted courtside during the Suns’ playoff games. Ultimately, Madonna and Barkley’s relationship never worked out.

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