Potential custody battle brewing over Cole Cameron Leinart

A spate of recent public comments by USC basketball star Brynn Cameron and pro-football player Matt Leinart with regard to their son, 9-month-old Cole, may have been less about sharing their baby joy with the world and more about jockeying for legal position.  In an exclusive statement to People magazine tonight, Matt refuted suggestions by Brynn that he is less than a hands-on father, and statements that he ‘comes and goes‘ from Cole’s life ‘whenever he wants.’ 

Regardless of the allegations made, I have gone to great lengths to increase my custodial time with Cole. This includes seeking intervention from the family law court.

Brynn currently receives $6,000/month from Matt — who is in the midst of fulfilling a 6-year, $51 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals — and her lawyer would like to see that amount increased to $30,000/month, which works out to a little over 4% of Matt’s income. 

Matt, for his part, reportedly travels to and from California each week to visit with Cole, but would like the court to require that the baby travel to Arizona for visits as well.  TMZ is also reporting that Matt recently filed a petition to establish paternity.  Says Matt: 

I love Cole more than anything or anyone.  I also really care about his mom and would never say anything disparaging about her. I want to help him experience life’s lessons that were taught to me by my mom and dad…I don’t know if Cole’s mother is motivated by anger or by financial gain, but it is my sincere hope that one day we will be able to effectively co-parent our son who we both love very much.

According to TMZ, the ex-couple are next due in court on Aug. 13.

Sources:  TMZ, People

Thanks to CBB readers Aimee and Malia.

Comments

Principesa on July 24th, 2007

Oh goody. Another custody battle played before the court of public opinion.

And, asking $30K a month in support??

How about both of you check your egos and work out your stuff privately? Put the kid FIRST.

This is what sound parenting is all about.

sage on July 24th, 2007

Wow I knew this was going to happen. But I am very surprised that Matt wants a DNA test, what does he think that she was unfaithful when they were together, and I hope he is not saying that she is only after his money. I just hope that what ever happens that their focus is on whats bets for cole.

Lauren on July 24th, 2007

Why in the world to do you need $30,000 a month? That’s $360,000 a year. Of course, I don’t see why football players make that much money, either.

I agree. They should put the needs of the child first.

Sarah’s note: It’s just a percentage the lawyers figure out based on the other parent’s income.

terri on July 24th, 2007

I wonder if those trips to California are really about seeing his son or otherwise. Interesting regarding the paternity test, I guess better safe than sorry.

Hillary on July 24th, 2007

This sounds like it’s about to get ugly. $30K/month for child support is ridiculous, but now dragging a paternity test into it too… These two need to grow up and work this out quietly for the sake of their child. They are adults, it’s time to act like it.

Isabel on July 24th, 2007

I think it’s a hard situation all around. But to me it sounds like Brynn is a bit jealous she mentions his hollywood lifestyle and his comings and goings. It sounds like he was the one who broke things off.

As far as the child support if he can afford it why shouldn’t he pay that amount. I think Brynn opened a can of worms. She may regret speaking so publicly and negatively about her son’s father. I think Matt will be seeking to share custody. I doubt Brynn will be happy about that.

Marie on July 24th, 2007

I hate making a comment, but as a close friend to Matt and his family I just want to say that he really is a good guy.

The DNA is required by law during a paternity suit, so that is why it’s being requested (I didn’t hear this from his family, but from other people who have gone through similar situations).

It’s sad because as young people with emotions it’s hard to keep your feelings inside and you learn from your mistakes when you say things that maybe you should have kept private.

I hope that they both work it out for the sake of the child. It’s not worth it to point fingers when in the end the only thing that matters is that adorable little boy.

Becky on July 24th, 2007

Maybe I’m not reading correctly, but I don’t see where in the article it states he doesn’t think Cole is his child, or that he wants a DNA test. I don’t think that’s what he meant by “establishing paternity.” While he refers to Brynn as “Cole’s mother” that may be out of frustration or anger as he later mentions co-parenting “our son.” He just didn’t come across as denying he’s Cole’s father. Either way, Cole is absolutely adorable.

And really, $30,000 a month? Hopefully that’s an exaggeration. I know people who make less than that in a year and do a fine job raising their families.

Neke on July 24th, 2007

Why does Matt think the baby can travel to Arizona? Babies and children need stability not to-ing and fro-ing to suit someone’s lifestyle.

Brandi on July 24th, 2007

Sorry, buddy. Babies don’t travel. Can’t just put him on a plane and send him off (and anyone who would do that is NOT on the baby’s side).

Robin on July 24th, 2007

For all the people ragging on her because of how much money she wants, just know that $30,000/month is 4% of Matt’s income.

Seriously, don’t you all know exactly what happened? They were dating in college. She mistakenly got pregnant at what, 19? He probably didn’t want her to have it. He probably told her that he’d have nothing to do with her if she went ahead with the pregnancy, which she did, so they broke up.

This has nothing to do with Brynn being greedy or not. Cole is Matt’s kid. He deserves more than 4%.

FC on July 24th, 2007

This just seems like everything was copasetic and now after some light-shedding comments, another ugly custodial dispute. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.

And Matt asking the baby travels to Arizona? That’s asking a bit much. He’s just a little baby and he already has a home. He can’t help the fact that his father currently lives in Arizona, though I don’t see why Matt can’t live in CA and travel back and forth. I know he has the means.

He should be doing what’s best for his son, and I really hope they both do what’s best for Cole, not for their hurt prides.

Karen on July 24th, 2007

When a child is born to an unwed mother there is no presumption of who the father is, where as if they were married it would be presumed that the child is the husbands without question.

In order for him to have any legal rights to his son he has to legally establish paternity, and you don’t need a DNA test to establish paternity. Basically by him filling to establish paternity he is saying that he wants legal rights to his son, not that he thinks the child may not be his.

As for the child support issue I am sure she could ask for a lot more then 30,000 per month. If you look at his salary she is asking for less then 5% of his salary.

maria on July 24th, 2007

You know, I know that $30,000 may be only 4% of Matt’s income but it still doesn’t justify it. It is after all MATT’S income. A baby does not need $30,000 a month. Maybe Brynn needs/wants it but not the baby. I get tired of women pulling the victim card over and over again and milking the situation. Acting like martyrs because they’re the ones who HAVE to raise the child, etc. So give full custody to the dad then or stop complaining. She just sounds very bitter to me. He is doing the best he can but he does have a hectic schedule. And to those who will say that it’s no excuse and that his son should come first, fine. Then where do you suppose the $30,000 a month will come from then??

Marie on July 24th, 2007

For the record, they weren’t dating when she got pregnant. They were broken up. And it is funny that someone can “assume” what happened in their relationship by saying that he probably didn’t want her to keep it.

Look, I don’t want to be rude, but she knew the lifestyle that he would have and she decided to have the child. A baby can travel, they do it all the time. This is so silly, if he didn’t see the baby then he would be a bad dad. If he wanted the baby to go see him in Arizona, he would be a bad dad. Silly. No one complains when Angelina is throwing her kids on a plane every other day.

I hope this child had a relationship with both parents and I hope that all of you would agree.

Lili on July 24th, 2007

I don’t approve of what Brynn is doing. I fully believe that her attack on Matt in the paper this weekend was merely a ploy to get public approval as she wages this battle for more money. I read elsewhere that not only did Matt buy her a brand new car but he also voluntarily gives her $6,000 a month and reportedly sees Cole once a week. That’s a bit different than the story she told.

Maybe she is “entitled” to $30,000/month according to the law, but $6,000/month is plenty of money to successfully and comfortably take care of a child so why take the child’s father to court and tarnish the all-important parent to parent relationship that she must maintain w/ Matt? I don’t think she realizes how good she really has it.

cat on July 24th, 2007

Hopefully they will be able to solve all their issues privately and quietly, if not for the sole benefit of their adorable son.I wish them well, especially considering they are both so young.

gianna on July 24th, 2007

The amount of money she is asking for, is only less than 5% of his salary. The thing is he is not your average blow joe, he is worth a lot of money, and child support is gonna be way different than say if he was a fireman, that’s just the way it is.

It’s his kid, so take it to court and see what the judge says, and I’m betting it will be a great deal of money because he is worth a lot. All these rich men that should use protection and don’t have kids with just anybody.

TwinMom on July 24th, 2007

Sounds to me like Brynn Cameron is acting like a greedy child. She can’t raise a child on $6000 a month???? My heart bleeds.

Cute baby, though.

Kim on July 24th, 2007

I just love how everyone always says “She chose to have the baby anyway” as if the woman is deciding whether or not she wants lemon in her water. A baby is not a choice, protection is NOT 100% no matter what anyone thinks, these things happen.

I mean, I don’t want to get all preachy or anything but they both made the baby together. And by saying “It’s HIS money” well Cole is his child, he should be willing to give more than 5% of his income to his child.

I know we spend a TON more than 5% of our money on our kids.

Alison on July 25th, 2007

I’m sure her lawyer came up with the figure based on his income. Brynn is not the one demanding a number so I think it’s unfair to say she’s greedy. If anyone has ever worked with a lawyer, they try for your best interests and let you know what they think is a good strategy. I doubt she went in saying she wanted such and such amount.

If the law in CA is tied to a percentage of his income then that’s exactly what she should get. The law shouldn’t treat Mr. Big Athlete differently than it would the guy down the street that may have to bust his ass to pay his child support. It’s all based on percentages.

Seeing your child one day a week shouldn’t be praised. You still aren’t taking physical or emotional care of the child 85% of the time…Why couldn’t her motivation just be that she would like her son to have a more involved father?

Jill on July 25th, 2007

I feel for these three. It is hard at this age, you want the child to have stability, but they both want to be in his life as much as possible.

I am sure Brynn wants to raise her son with the means equivalent to what he will get from his father, but she can’t do that as a college student.

On the other hand, I am sure Matt wants to use his money on his son not his ex, and unfortunately once that check gets cashed, as long as there is a roof over Cole’s head, no one cares what it is spent on.

Hopefully they can work it all out and happily co-parent that beautiful little boy.

Z on July 25th, 2007

To be honest, I find it hard to endure reading about how much these ‘celebrity’ children receive in child support. My mother was given $900 p/month for my sister and I. Brynn gets $6000 p/month for Cole, and Cole alone. Perhaps they should be thinking of those who aren’t in their financial position. Step back and think hard – what child of Cole’s age needs $6000 p/month?

I have nothing but respect for Brynn as a single mum, and I do hope for Cole’s sake that Matt does have more access to his child. It’s much better to be spoilt by your parent’s love than by their monetary contributions.

Cindy on July 25th, 2007

First off…this sweet baby boy rocks! Geez, is he adorable or what?

Second, Leinart makes a lot of money, Brynn is still finishing her education, something Matt has already had the opportunity to do.

Third, there is a formula the courts go by based on income. Play you pay.

Lastly, I hope this doesn’t get any uglier than it already has, it’s this little boy that will suffer most. People need to stop leaving such mean comments. When Brynn got pregnant Matt was a student also, I hardly think she did it for the money.

Leslie on July 25th, 2007

The child is entitled to the lifestyle his parent’s can provide. Does she need that much a month, no, she’s living at home and finishing school–I’m sure she’ll be fine. But asking him to contribute a very small portion of his salary to give his child the best life possible, great childcare, schools, college fund. I agree, it is different that the regular joe.

JH on July 25th, 2007

Let’s face it he broke up with her and then they slept together a few times and she gets pregnant….why didn’t she get pregnant in the years before he broke it up. Reality is she thought she could trap him by having his baby and now that the plan backfired she wants the bucks!

Sarita on July 25th, 2007

There’s two sides to everything. I’m glad he spoke up with his side of things.

It’s not unreasonable of him to ask for the baby to visit him in California. He’s not asking for weekly visits, just once in a while I think and that would be good.

sinclair on July 25th, 2007

“I also really care about his mom and would never say anything disparaging about her…I don’t know if Cole’s mother is motivated by anger or by financial gain, but it is my sincere hope that one day we will be able to effectively co-parent our son who we both love very much.”

Hmm. “She” has a name, Matt. This statement sounds prepared by a lawyer’s office. I’m sure Matt is/was a “good guy”, as Marie claims, but most mothers, single or otherwise, who juggle parenting and the rest of lives, don’t lie about the child’s father’s presence, or lack thereof. I’m sure Matt is stepping up to the plate now, so he doesn’t look like a deadbeat dad–and yes, maybe he does have a genuine interest in raising their son, but i’m sure it was a different story 9 mos. ago. Seen it too many times.

As for the 30K/month, that’s a small fraction of his ridiculous salary. Hopefully Brynn will put it in the bank for Cole’s college, etc.

Brynn’s better than me–my child would be named Cole Cameron, period.

Sam on July 25th, 2007

30 grand a month is NOTHING compared to what Matt makes or will be making once the ink dries on his contract. And lawyers calculate these figures based on percentages of what the father/parent’s income is, so Brynn is not necessarily ASKING for this monthly amount. It’s only fair that the child/mother of the child receive an amount comparable to what the father’s/mother’s/parent’s income is (read: lifestyle based on income).

People have to realize that monthly child support payments for celebrities and the wealthy are going to be double/triple/quadruple what the arrangements are for Joe and Mary Smith in Ohio.

They both laid down to make this baby, so maybe Matt should use that money to take care of his family.

Mandy on July 25th, 2007

“A baby is not a choice”

What? Dear God…I hope I’m not home the day they come around my neighborhood with the turkey baster and the gun to knock me up, and then force me to have a baby. :fingers crossed:

Anyway, I think what’s best for the baby is for Matt to buy him a house (in the baby’s name that his mother can live in), and pay for all the baby’s expenses. She has a car already, so she has a way to get him where he needs to be. That way, Cole is completely taken care of – HIS needs are met. Problem SOLVED! (And I don’t see how that would ever add up to $30,000 BTW.)

cats on July 25th, 2007

I have zero interest in either parties but I can’t help but question Brynn and her motives.

What she’s said to the press has been tacky at best and I’m proud that Matt has taken the high road and is now seeking for the baby to also travel to AZ. Good for him! As I said yesterday, she should be careful as to not disparage Matt. Courts do not look upon that favorably.

Unlike some of you, I seriously doubt that Matt Leinart would be a deadbeat either on the child care or attention front. He seems like a fine individual….USC educated (finished course work in 3 years and just stayed to play with his team for the 4th year,Heisman trophy winner, as well as being from a good family). Yes, it is unfortunate that his job is in Arizona and that he only sees Cole once a week or so.

My husband had a job that required travel 80-90% of the time when my son was that small. I didn’t look at that as irresponsible or shirking his duties as a father. No, he didn’t change many diapers but he was being a provider. I understand that she doesn’t have a ring on her finger but I think 6k in child support is already generous. Over time perhaps they will renegotiate child support, and perhaps Brynn can set a better example for her son. She certainly hasn’t helped herself or Cole in taking this nasty public route.

J-Lin on July 25th, 2007

The point of child support is for a child to live in the same manner regardless of which parent the child is with. If you only make $50K a year, yes $30K is alot, but this man makes millions, so its more than appropriate. Brynn would be wrong for not asking for more considering she’s a full-time college student and an athlete which means she cannot work. I hope these two work things out, but her actions are justified.

Fynn on July 25th, 2007

People who object to the $30,000/mo. seem to be assuming Brynn is going to SPEND that each month. Why not assume that after expenses have been met, most of the money would be going into a fund for Cole? The courts don’t calculate child support based on what actual expenses a child has, they calculate it based on the lifestyle a child would be able to live if the parents were still together. Even though Cole may not NEED $30,000/mo.; Matt obviously doesn’t NEED it either.

ab on July 25th, 2007

I agree that it is unfortunate they are doing this publically.

I am surprised at how many people are down on her about the 30,000 a month amount. No, a baby does not need that. The fact of the matter if, she, by law, could get MORE than 30,000. It is all about a percentage of income. It has been stated that this is only about 4% of his income. This is not a lot. Besides the fact that child support is not just for the tangible baby needs like diapers, food, etc. — but for shelter, etc. Yes, 30,000 a month is more than enough — but the reason the law is set up the way it is is to try to provide some level of equity — come on…yes he is a baby. But, it won’t be long before he does see and understand more. Would you like to be the other parent if the dad — (or mom, whatever the case may be) had a massive amount of disposable income to shower upon the child and meet every need, take trips etc, — and you had a much different standard of living? There is a reason laws are set how they are. Yes, Brynn could get by with less. But again, she is asking for less than what she could legally get. These are large amounts of money, beyond comprehension to many of us. But, when you look at the amounts in the context of his income, what he has, is able to pay, and should pay — she should not be bashed over the money.

CeeCee on July 25th, 2007

I agree with Sam… She should “get” whatever the appropriate amount would be for that little boy to have an “approporiate” lifestlyle being the son of a mega-earning football star. And if Mom gets to share in that, so be it- she is Cole’s mother and that’s never gonna change. I also agree that our sports “stars” earn way too much $$$ and most of them have no appreciation for it, my opinion.

Campbell on July 25th, 2007

That baby is BEAUTIFUL!!! God bless him.

Lola on July 25th, 2007

Why is 30K in support rediculous? If his parents were married or together, Cole would be entitled to share in that money, why should he have any less, becuase they are not married or no longer together?

Jessica L. on July 25th, 2007

Oh for heaven’s sake! It’s only FOUR PERCENT of this guy’s income! This is chump change for what these pro athletes make. I absolutely agree with the poster who said that his child is entitled to the lifestyle that his parents can provide. This is so hypocritical. When it was reported that P Diddy’s ex would be seeking a ton of money a month for her three children, everyone said “Absolutely, go for it girl! Those babies deserve it! Clean him out!” Why is this situation any different? Is it because Brynn only has one child with this man rather than 3? Is it because she is so young and so she must just be selfish? Give me a break. This baby’s father is a multi-millionaire professional football player. Cole’s entitled to whatever percentage the courts deem necessary. It doesn’t matter if he makes 30k a year or 1 million. The courts have a certain percentage assigned for these things. Whatever dad makes, mom gets a percentage of it. It doesn’t matter how young she is, if the baby was born out of wedlock or not, or if she lives with her parents.

He made his bed, now he has to lie in it. And pay UP.

JR on July 25th, 2007

I see no reason why the mother, who is the primary caregiver, should not receive 4% of the father’s income. They chose to create a child together, and they’re both responsible for him. He should have at least some of the advantages his father’s wealth would provide for him. If the child support required is so small as to not even make a dent in a person’s income, what would discourage an otherwise rather irresponsible man from fathering many children without the intention of raising or caring for them? I think the lawyers have the right idea in demanding for the child and his mother a reasonable percentage of the father’s income.

I hope too that if she’s breastfeeding the baby, they will not permit overnight out-of-state visits with the father. The mother and baby should absolutely not be separated during that time. Again, the mother has primary responsibility in raising and caring for the child. The father should accomodate himself to the child’s needs and travel himself to visit, rather than requiring the child be flown out to him.

Tracy on July 25th, 2007

Ok, so this battle has obviously become bitter. Matt probably shouldn’t have boasted about how much quality time he spends with his child, and Brynn shouldn’t have said such negative things about the father of her child. Now it is true that we do not know the private side of their current situation, but as an outsider it does seem a bit outlandish.

If Brynn is living at home and going to school, why would she need more than $6,000 per month to care for one healthy child? I realize that Matt makes a nauseating amount of money, but he is the one that has to endure broken bones, paparazzi, insane fans (both for and against his team) and all the stress that goes along with it. Brynn plays basketball, and while it is possible to get hurt during this sport, it’s not a “contact” sport like football.

It just seems insane that she just expects him to give her his money when she isn’t even working! She plays for her college team and goes to class. If they lived in the “real world” they would realize that most parents will give up their education to put their child first, not just use them as financial gain.

I think that the truth will be revealed if/when she does get that $30K and moves into a mansion! Until then it’s not fair to label her as a “gold digger” just yet, though the way they are going about things would certainly raise that option.

So she might not be able to shop at Petit Tresor, but what child really needs that much materialistic stuff?!

kelli on July 25th, 2007

Matt doesn’t even pay Brynn $6,ooo a month first and foremost. Second, the praise he is receiving for buying her a car? He did not purchase that vehicle until Cole was 4 months old. She was driving a beater car for 4 months while Matt bought an $80,000 car for his dad, bought a car for his mother and brother and on top of that had 4 cars in his driveway at home did I mention he gets cars for free? He should not receive praise for doing the bare minimum. Do you know how much money he gave her a month for the first 2 months? $200 dollars!!!! And no I didn’t leave out any zeros!

K on July 25th, 2007

Matt sees Cole as much as Brynn allows. She only lets him see Cole for 3 hour intervals. He chose to rent a house close to Brynn so that he could be closer to Cole. He could have chosen to stay in AZ or live in a fancy pad in Hollywood, but he chose the suburbs so that he could be near Cole.
I know the percentage of his salary comes into effect when figuring the $30k, but I really doubt much of that money actually goes towards Cole. Judging by the designer clothes Brynn wears (far cry from her old tomboy ways)and the ‘supposed’ boob job, it doesn’t look like he is getting much.

Matt has a trust fund set up for Cole already, so obviously he has no problem giving the money to his son. He does have a problem giving the money to Brynn for frivilous things.

Debbie on July 25th, 2007

I think this issue with Matt and Bryn is less about child support and more about who is going to chauffeur the child back and forth from the 2 homes. Football season is coming up and Matt doesn’t want to look like a deadbeat father for not visiting Cole as much as he was during the off season. I am sure Matt and his lawyers could be trying to back track with damage control (with the nice comments he or his lawyers made in this statement) because Matt is known to be a partier and already admitted to like the Hollywood scene.

Heather on July 25th, 2007

You guys obviously aren’t aware that when calculating child support, it has to do with a combination of factors, with the primary being: a) how much each parent makes (she’s a student – she probably doesn’t make much!); and b) how often each party sees/cares for the child. Considering he’s in Arizona and she’s the primary caregiver, her physical and legal custody is likely pretty darn close to 100%. Her 100% custody (which is assumed just for this argument) and his whopping salary equals a pretty hefty child support payment (whether it be $6,000 or $30,000).

What really gets me though is that everyone is harping on how much *money* Matt is forking over and not about how much *time* he is devoting to his son.

Being a single parent is hard – I know. I had my son while still in college, and his father had nothing to do with him. He paid me $181 – nothing considering daycare is $1,000/month for an infant! He’s now in the PGA and I could be bringing in a nice, fat child support check but he’s a deadbeat. We took him to court to relinquish his parental rights and my husband adopted him this past April. All in all, it has NOTHING to do with money – I could have raked my ex over the coals. It has everything to do with wanting to raise your child the best way possible and you are disadvantaged right off the bat for being a single parent. My thought is that if you aren’t going to take the time out of your *busy* life to care for your baby, what’s $30,000 a month to you when you’re rolling in the dough? A drop in the bucket…His contribution to parenting is monetary – not time and affection, bedtime stories, baths or anything else that goes hand in hand with parenting.

Give Brynn a little credit. Cole is already here – there’s no use in saying “she knew what she was getting into,” etc. He’s a beautiful little boy and hopefully Matt will realize that he needs to be a more productive and active part of his son’s life, beginning now.

tink1217 on July 25th, 2007

its amazing to see so many saying that 5% of his income is ridiculous for a baby. Well, as someone who was awarded only $350 a month based on income of both parents for 2 children and never got a penny…I say go for it Brynn. Matt makes PLENTY. He can afford way more than the average dad and he should cough it up AT LEAST while Brynn finishes school. Some of the money can be used to further Cole’s education when the time comes. Did anyone think of that?? IF these two were still together she would be spending WAAAYY more than that on their child, I am sure…and Matt would probably not say a word.

As for the baby traveling…I would NEVER want my baby traveling that far without me and I am sure Matt doesn’t want Brynn coming along so I would say NO WAY to that!! While Cole is young Matt should come to see him or deal with having Brynn along if the baby comes to see him in Arizona.

for what it's worth on July 25th, 2007

The point of custody/child support laws is to be fair to the children. The child should live in the same life style that the parent who is paying child support is living. So, if he lives in a million dollar house, with several cars, etc. then that is the same example and lifestyle his child should receive. If a parent has children with multiple partners, all children should live in the same lifestyle. If Leinart has a child, who lives with him, it would be unfair for that child to have a better lifestyle than Brynn’s Cameron’s child. Otherwise, the child will become aware of the difference in lifestyle as he ages, and that is uncalled for. A standard income percentage for most first born children is 15% of the gross income. It doesn’t matter if $30,000 a month is or isn’t “needed.” If that’s what the father makes, then the child should receive that amount. The child lives in the same lifestyle as the parent who pays child support.

tara on July 25th, 2007

WOW! to those of you defending Matt for seeing his child one day a week and giving Brynn a hard time. Do you have children? I am sure she has help, but she is a single mom. I have a husband that lives with me, changes our daughters diapers, helps to feed her, holds her when we go to dinner and she won’t sit in the high chair, hangs out with her when I want to go shopping and all of the other great things parents do. I am so lucky to have a wonderful full time father for my daughter. One day doesn’t even constitute a part time father in my book. I would hope he would visit more if they lived in the same city, but he has the money and the means available to see his child more often. 4% of his income and $30,000 a month is not too much. If you had more money to spend on your child, chances are, you would. I know we spend way more that 4% of our income on our child.

Hannie on July 25th, 2007

I am a single parent, I was widowed when my daughter was 6 months old, and I have raised my daughter alone for the past 6 years. I have not remarried and I do not date anyone. My daughter does get a small amount of money from SSI for survivors benefits but I have to work for insurance so I get nothing. You would think I of all people would be on “Brynn’s side”. Long story short,I’m not! I think Brynn is angry Matt didn’t come crawling back after Cole was born and now she wants revenge. He comments were loaded with daggars, it’s obvious. I think in her young mind she thought this baby would “save things” as far as their relationship went. It didn’t, and she’s mad.

Red on July 25th, 2007

In California child support is calculated based on the non-custodial parent’s income which is equal to 25% for one child and 30% for two + medical, etc.

If she is only getting 4% – that sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

If the 25% applies to everyone else it should apply to Matt as well. $30,000 sounds high to most normal people on this board, but most of those people dont share children with an NFL starting QB.

K on July 25th, 2007

Kelli – Matt didn’t buy his brother a car by the way. Matt was given a Tahoe from some promotional deal he did(forgot from where) and he gave it to his brother to use since his brother does a lot of traveling, being the manager of his foundation and all. Just wanted to make sure you are giving out accurate information.
As for buying his parents a new car, I would think that they deserve it after all they sacrificed to put him (and his brother) thru private school at Mater Dei.

Renee on July 25th, 2007

I’m sorry but I have little pity for Matt.I find it sad that so many people are accusing the mother of being a gold digger.Not every woman who has baby after they break up is trying to fix the relationship.We need to get rid of that myth.Why are we as women so hard on each other?

Neke on July 25th, 2007

Has nobody thought of the legal bills that Brynn has to pay? Lawyers are not cheap and she should just be able to be a good mom. Brynn should not have to worry about Matt being plain vicious. She is a new mom for goodness sake. Leave her well alone!

Bear on July 25th, 2007

First, Brynn is nursing Cole. This is why she can’t be separated from him for long. This is also why it appears she’s had a boob job.

Second, she is not trying to get even, she broke up with him and doesn’t want to get back together. The break up was long and painful for both of them. They did truly love each other and Cole is a miracle. Brynn would never get an abortion. She is a good mother and has her sons best interest in mind in all things.

Third, she is returning to school, on a scholarship. Living in a dorm with Cole is not an option. She needs a SECURE apartment in L.A. and that is not cheap. She also will need help to care for him and given the security issues surrounding children of celebrities, she must hire the best.

Last, she had always had excellent taste in clothes. Often she is in “work-out” attire because she is an athlete. She can take care of her own shopping habits just as she always has.

K on July 26th, 2007

The fact that Brynn is nursing is not a good excuse for why Matt can only have Cole for 3 hours at a time. As a working mom, I can tell you that the breast pump is a wonderful invention.

nosoupforyou on July 26th, 2007

Give me a break. The guy signed a contract for 51 million dollars. He likely drops $30,000 a month on his entourage.

Read the recent article in ESPN. Matt thinks he is still “a kid.” His mother pays his bills, no doubt from his money.

Sounds like it’s Mr. & Mrs. Leinart that hit the jackpot with their Peterpan manchild.

brookefan on July 28th, 2007

“A baby can travel..they do it all the time”. Really? In all my travels, I haven’t seen a baby traveling solo. Dad has the money. Dad wants to see baby. Dad travels. That one sentence tells me everything about HIS parenting, good guy or not. Even a good guy can lack parenting values.