How does Bernie Kosar owe the Cleveland Browns $1.5 million dollars? How does Patrick Danner of the Miami Herald characterize Bernie as a 'former gridiron great?' Why does Bernie owe his ex, Babette, (really) $3 million dollars?Did you know that his unceremonious release by Bill Belichick during the 1993 season raised national furor?
Yeah, we don't/didn't know either. But Bernie did file for Chapter-11. But we should have seen this coming. When Babette filed for divorce Vindy reported:
''I love my wife and kids,'' Kosar says. ``I don't want to be divorced. I don't believe in it.''
Babette accuses Bernie of ''increasingly bizarre and erratic behavior and various other addictions,'' according to court docs. He has been ''giving away money and interest in other significant marital assets including real property to family and friends.'' He acts ''financially irrationally and irresponsibly'' -- and even plans to buy a house four doors from where they now live, she says.
Kosar needs ''help'' . . . and should ''focus his energies on his mental health and not on the purchase of the [other] home,'' she says. Besides, ``it will be almost impossible . . . to develop independent lives . . . in such close proximity . . .''
No one will comment on the ''addictions'' she refers to. Some case documents are sealed -- at Kosar's request. That's because she ''makes very detailed, personal allegations'' about his ''character and mental well-being,'' he says in court papers.
In their 1990 prenup, Kosar listed his assets at $20.76 million, and she listed hers at $56,234. He is now worth way more. Their household expenses are $54,099 a month, documents say.
Babette filed for divorce two years ago but withdrew the petition. He'd still like to remain a team. ``It's something I hope we can work out because I love her.''
Kosar, a University of Miami Hurricane, played with the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. He now develops real estate and marinas. He also co-owns Bernie's Steakhouse in South Miami.
Kosar says he does give away money. ``I'm very generous with everybody. It's part of what I enjoy about myself -- and I'm proud of it.''
Kosar, who recently underwent elbow surgery, dismisses his wife's allegation of ''addictions.'' Ludicrous, he says. ``I'm really comfortable with who I am and what I've accomplished.''
Ouch.
