Hall of Fame Quarterback and CBS analyst Dan Marino is one of the NFL's most beloved and celebrated heroes, but that is about to change. The New York Post reported that Marino had an affair with former CBS employee Donna Savattere, who gave birth to his daughter, Chloe, in June 2005.
"This is a personal and private matter. I take full responsibility both personally and financially for my actions now as I did then," he said in his written statement concerning the affair Wednesday morning.
Marino's wife, Claire, has yet to comment on the issue, although Marino seems assured that they'll stick together. "My wife and I have been married for almost 30 years and have six children together. And we continue to be a strong and loving family."
Marino allegedly paid Savattere millions and moved her and his love child from New York to Texas in attempt to keep their relationship confidential.
Savattere has since married and now lives in New York with her husband, with whom she has a second child. She reportedly splits her time between the Upper West Side and the Hamptons, presumably with money that Marino provided.
Marino admitted to the affair just four days before he's scheduled to co-host Super Bowl Today. As of now, Marino is still scheduled to participate in the broadcast, but who knows how he'll be received during the Super Bowl pregame.
Marino is known as one of the best passers the NFL has ever seen. The Dolphins legend threw for 61,361 yards and 420 touchdowns in 4,967 completions. The affair will certainly put a stain Marino's immaculate career, but at least now he has yet another reason to be remembered.