Erik Spoelstra’s Ex-Wife Fires Back at Trolls Harassing Her About His New Contract

Nikki Spoelstra said she’s been harassed because of her marriage for years.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra just signed a contract extension that puts him among the highest-paid at his position in the NBA. For two NBA championships, six Eastern Conference titles and more than 700 career wins during his 16 seasons, Spoelstra was rewarded with an eight-year deal worth more than $120 million.

However, rather than appreciate a coach being financially recognized as one of the best in his profession and enjoying the Heat’s success under Spoelstra, some fans felt the need to taunt his former wife with news of the lucrative contract. 

Nikki Spoelstra responded to those derisive remarks on her Instagram account, posting a story that disputed the notion that she “fumbled the bag” with the end of her seven-year marriage to the Heat coach. 

“According to crass, ignorant, uninformed society at large, women can’t ‘win,’” Spoelstra wrote. “Women can’t be genuinely in love with someone successful. No, they’re pretending and they’re in it for the money. And if a woman chooses to not be with a successful partner, apparently she’s an idiot.” 

Screen cap from @nikkisappspo on Instagram

Spoelstra went on to say that dealing with harassment from detractors and trying to ignore it affected her emotional health. She ended her post by saying, “Be nicer.” 

The former couple formally split last November after seven years of marriage. They have three children together, a fact which appears to have been lost on those who directed misogynistic taunts at Spoelstra for losing out on her husband’s significant payday.