Larry Bird Reveals Why His Ex-Wife Janet Condra Left Him

Larry Bird, the legendary NBA star known for his stellar career with the Boston Celtics, has always been somewhat reserved about his personal life. However, in a recent interview, Bird opened up about his first marriage and the reasons behind its dissolution.

Bird married his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra, in 1975. Their union was short-lived, lasting only about a year, and they divorced in 1976. For years, the public speculated on the reasons behind their split, but Bird remained tight-lipped until now.

In the interview, Bird candidly revealed that the pressures of his burgeoning basketball career played a significant role in the breakdown of his marriage. “I was young and focused on making a name for myself in basketball,” Bird admitted. “I didn’t realize how much strain that put on our relationship.”

Bird’s rise to fame was meteoric. After a stellar college career at Indiana State University, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978. The intense schedule, frequent travel, and dedication required to excel in the NBA left little time for personal relationships. “Janet deserved more than what I could give at that time,” Bird said. “She needed a partner who could be there for her, and I wasn’t that person.”

Additionally, Bird acknowledged that both he and Condra were young and still figuring out their own lives. “We were just kids,” he reflected. “Looking back, we didn’t know what we were getting into. Marriage is tough, and we weren’t ready for it.”

Despite their separation, Bird and Condra share a daughter, Corrie, born in 1977. Bird emphasized that they have both worked hard to maintain a positive relationship for the sake of their child. “Janet and I have always put Corrie first,” Bird noted. “We’ve managed to stay amicable and supportive as parents.”

Bird’s revelation offers a glimpse into the personal challenges that even the most successful athletes face. It highlights the complexities of balancing a high-profile career with personal relationships, a struggle many can relate to.

Today, Larry Bird is happily married to his second wife, Dinah Mattingly, whom he wed in 1989. They have two adopted children, and Bird remains a respected figure in the basketball community, both as a player and an executive.

In sharing his story, Bird hopes to shed light on the difficulties of young love and the importance of communication and understanding in any relationship. “It’s important to be honest with yourself and your partner,” Bird concluded. “Sometimes things don’t work out, and that’s okay. It’s all part of life’s journey.”