While everyone’s wondering how to catch a cheater online, Michelle Shazier sets it straight with her own methods. Ryan Shazier, a former NFL linebacker, said that he and his wife Michelle are living apart after she accused him of cheating in a now-deleted Instagram post on Wednesday.
“Michelle and I have been living apart and are currently separated” stated the 31-year-old Shazier to TMZ, shortly after the gossip site initially reported the development. “As we work through what comes next for our family, I ask for privacy and prayers.”
Michelle, also 31, who has been with Shazier since before his career-ending spinal cord injury in 2017, leveled accusations of being “a deceiver and unfaithful” against the former Steeler in the since-erased social media post, as disclosed by TMZ.
The alleged post featured text messages between Shazier and a woman identified as Marie.
Per TMZ, one specific message revealed the individual Michelle asserted was Shazier sending explicit material to another woman, including instructions on intimate activities.
“A person that loves his family … this is what they do to their family … the WIFE.. that has been there for him since day 1!”
“Infidelity at its finest! I can’t sit here and keep hiding anymore. You can have it. I deserve better. ? This is Ryan… he’s a liar and a cheater!”
Shazier and Michelle, a real estate agent in Pittsburgh, share a 4-year-old son named Lyon. The former Pro Bowl NFL player also has a 9-year-old son, RJ, from a previous relationship. The exact timeline of Shazier and Michelle's separation remains unclear.
In September, the couple attended the Steelers-Browns game with their son before appearing together at the opening of Rize Sports indoor basketball facility in Leetsdale, Pa. Additionally, Shazier and Michelle celebrated Halloween jointly, donning milk and cookies-themed costumes.
Shazier got a spinal contusion during a Dec. 4, 2017, "Monday Night Football" game against the Bengals. He now runs a foundation to help people with spinal cord injuries get treatment.
Well, media isn't always about the truth, right? As Jennifer Pearson notes: "Sometimes it's too easy to judge someone by what they say on social media. Every story still has more than one side, and our personal biases can have a big effect on how we see things!"
The Ohio State alum, chosen by the Steelers as the No. 15 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, concluded his playing career with Pittsburgh, officially retiring from the NFL on Sept. 9, 2020.
READ NEXT: INDIAN WOMAN KILLED OVER CHEATING WITH A MARRIED MAN
