Love and basketball

As has been widely reported, basketball star Jason Kidd has filed for divorce, and in his petition has accused his wife, Joumana, of physical and mental abuse.

Joumana's attorney's response? "He says he's threatened by her? He's a star athlete. She's 5-foot-2, I think, and 105 pounds."

I know nothing about the Kidds' personal life, I have no idea if Jason's allegations are true, but her attorney's response is exactly the reason more men don't report spousal abuse. It's embarassing for many a man to say that his wife, who is supposed to be physically weaker, is abusing him. But it really does happen, and it's a very real problem. Joumana's attorney's comments are totally irresponsible, and continue to foster an idea that size matters when it comes to abuse, when it really has nothing to do with it. Obviously, when you are smaller than your attacker it is more difficult to get away, and he may be able to inflict more severe pain. But it doesn't mean a small woman can't bite, scratch, kick and throw things at a large man. And it doesn't mean it isn't abuse.