Dwyane Wade is an NBA superstar, an Olympic gold medal winner and has a contract paying him more than $17 million a year, but according to the book he wrote earlier this year, he is a father first. The Cook County judge agreed, awarding him sole custody of his two children.
"This is one of the most difficult things I have been through," said Funches-Wade. "This is not something that just affected me, but it affected my children."
The two children, Zion and Zaire, lived with their mother until last March of 2011, when a Cook County judge awarded full custody to their father.
Dwyane and Siohvaughn were sweethearts at Richards High School, but after a five-ear marriage they were involved in a highly contentious divorce ,and after that a contentious child custody battle.
Funches-Wade was arrested and charged with kidnapping two years ago after she allegedly failed to return the kids to their father on time.
Though the charges were later dropped, experts say that likely played a key role in the judge's decision to award custody to Wade.
"Mothers usually get custody of the children because traditionally they have been the primary caretaker of the children during the course of the party's marriage," said divorce attorney Tracy Rizzo.
Wade said on Windy City Live last month the divorce and custody battle have been Difficult, but he has tried to put aside his feelings for the sake of his kids.
"My job is to make sure they have a relationship with their mother and that they understand what happened between me and your mom has nothing to do with you guys," Wade said last month.
"I do believe in forgiveness," said Funches-Wade. "I believe that all of us have made mistakes and I need people to forgive me. It was not easy and it didn't happen overnight, but I forgave him and I'm healed."
Funches-Wade has rarely spoken about the relationship before now, but says she will continue to fight to try to see her kids more.
"I absolutely do want my children to be at home with me in a loving home where I can raise them and they can spend time with their dad when he is actually available," said Funches-Wade.
An attorney for Dwyane Wade said they would have no response on Siohvaughn Funches-Wade's comments. But she tells ABC7 she plans to go back to court at some point to try to convince a judge to give the children back to her.
