Sean Payton had an affair and got a Hornets cheerleader pregnant while being married to Beth Shuey. The situation was never publicly acknowledged, with the timing overlapping with the “pay-to-injure” program scandal.
In 2011, Sean Payton moved his family from New Orleans, where he coached the Saints, to Fort Worth, Texas.
Highlights
- During his suspension, Sean Payton filed for divorce from his wife of nearly 20 years, Beth Payton.
- He used a private jet to travel back and forth to practice during the 2012 season, though his travel plans during that season raised some questions.
- One of the biggest rumors circulating in New Orleans was about his alleged affair with a Hornets cheerleader, who was said to be pregnant with his child.
While he claimed it was for their children to attend a prestigious private school, the real reason was that his wife, Beth, had discovered his affair and wanted to leave New Orleans.
A year later, after Payton was suspended from the NFL over the bounty scandal, the couple divorced.
Currently, Payton has moved on with Miss West Virginia, USA, Skylene Montgomery, whom he married in 2021.
Amid NFL Suspension and Divorce, Sean Payton Faced Cheating Rumors and Custody Battle with Wife Beth Payton
Sean Payton met Beth Shuey, an Indiana State University graduate, while he was coaching there.
The couple later bought a house in the Vaquero Club, an upscale golf community in Westlake, Texas, known for being home to PGA Tour players, the Jonas Brothers, and Josh Hamilton.
Sean Payton’s wife Beth Shuey with her children, Connor and Meghan. Jackie Sandler (center) plays Beth in the movie. Read “Home Team: History vs. Hollywood” – https://t.co/eRRu9AQO2o #hometeamnetflix #hometeam #hometeammovie #kevinjames #saints #neworleanssaints pic.twitter.com/saMFlVkJtF
— History vs Hollywood (@HistoryvsHllywd) January 28, 2022
During the football season, Payton stayed in New Orleans while his family lived full-time in Westlake. He would commute by private plane.
Things became difficult for Payton after the NFL suspended him for the 2012 season due to his involvement in the Saints’ alleged “pay-to-injure” scandal.
Amid the suspension, Sean Payton filed for divorce from his wife of nearly 20 years, Beth Payton.
The divorce petition was filed in Tarrant County, Texas, on June 14, just a few weeks before their anniversary on July 11, 2012.
The court documents used initials to protect their identities, with Payton listed as “PSP” and his wife as “BAP.”
While Sean sought joint custody of their two children, Beth filed a counter-petition, asking the court to establish clear guidelines for his time with the children “as necessary to protect their health and well-being.”
She also requested sole authority over decisions regarding their children’s medical, legal, and educational needs and asked Sean to contribute financially to their care.
The Paytons had maintained a residence in Texas since Sean’s time as an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys.
Bullst. Other coaches do it, just haven’t been caught. Sean Payton was cheating on his wife, got a Saint’s cheerleader pregnant, married the girl he cheated on his wife with. Not a word, all covered up
— American hero (@bjg297) October 6, 2021
As the divorce proceedings unfolded, it seemed Payton had already moved out of the Westlake home where he had been living with Beth and their two children, Meghan and Conner, in a house surrounded by high security.
During this time, Payton continued to commute to New Orleans from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Meanwhile, Sean Payton had been the subject of rumors for years, with accusations of cheating on Beth.
One of the most talked-about rumors in New Orleans was his alleged affair with a Hornets cheerleader, who was reportedly pregnant by him.
While Sean Payton Faces Criticism For His Affairs, Wife Beth Endures Unfair Attacks Despite Being The Victim
Known for his love of partying, Payton spent the season living alone in New Orleans while his family remained in Dallas.
He flew back and forth to practice on a private jet, although his travel arrangements during the 2012 season were seen as questionable.
Beth Payton has largely stayed silent about the situation, whether by choice or due to financial agreements while enduring much public criticism.
She’s been unfairly attacked by people calling her horrible names.
When, in reality, it was her husband who cheated, got another woman pregnant, and ultimately caused the mess.
Additional Information
- Sean Payton started coaching as an offensive assistant at San Diego State University. He went on to hold various assistant coaching roles at both the college and NFL levels.
- Payton held the second-longest single-team tenure among active NFL head coaches, trailing only Bill Belichick.
- In his first season with the Saints, Payton led the team from a dismal 3–13 record in an NFC Championship appearance.
