Mark Jackson And His Wife, Desiree Coleman, Endured Significant Challenges In Their Marriage, Leading To Their Eventual Separation!

This article was last updated by on

A former NBA player and coach, Mark Jackson, and his wife, Desiree Coleman, faced challenges, including an affair and extortion scandal, leading to their separation in 2017, but remain committed to co-parenting their children.

Mark Jackson and Desiree Coleman have a story full of love, family, and various challenges.

Their journey together started in 1990 when they got married at the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens, New York.

It was a special day, officiated by Rev. Floyd H. Flake, and marked the beginning of a partnership that would last nearly thirty years.

Desiree Coleman, also known professionally as Kadesh, is a talented singer and actress.

Growing up in a supportive family, she pursued her musical talents early on.

She gained fame for her role in the off-Broadway musical Mama, I Want to Sing! 

Moreover, she has recorded music that has been featured in various media outlets, including WWE.

In 2002, she moved to California with Jackson to advance their careers and raise their family.

Mark and Desiree have four children: Mark Jackson Jr., Christian, Micah, and Heavyn.

Their eldest son, Mark Jr., played college basketball at both Louisville and Manhattan College.

He excelled at Taft High School in California during his freshman and senior years.

Their daughter Heavyn studies at the University of San Francisco and has interned for Twitter. This shows the family’s commitment to education and personal growth.

Mark Jackson & His Wife, Desiree Coleman, Divorced After 27 Years Of Marriage!

Despite their strong family ties, Mark and Desiree faced significant challenges in their marriage.

In 2012, Jackson became involved in an extortion scandal related to an affair with a stripper named Alexis Adams.

This affair occurred in 2006 while Jackson was an announcer for the New Jersey Nets.

The extortion attempt involved threats to release compromising photos unless he paid $185,000.

Ultimately, Jackson settled with the individual for a smaller amount (around $5,000).

In September 2017, after 27 years of marriage, Desiree filed for divorce.

She stated, “Unfortunately, the relationship just ran its course,” emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting their children despite the separation.

She made this comment to The Blast on September 28, 2017, the day after filing for divorce from Mark Jackson. 

Despite their separation, they remain committed to co-parenting their children.

As of now, the divorce proceedings are still open, and no final resolution has been announced yet.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Mark Jackson was born on April 1, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York.
  • He played college basketball at St. John’s University.
  • Jackson played for the Knicks, Clippers, Pacers, and Warriors from 1987 to 2004.
Sadikshya Pandeya
Sadikshya Pandeya
Sadikshya, a content writer with a background in business and development, is currently completing her MBA at KUSOM.

Related articles

Comments

Share article

Clovis, CA, Teen Basketball Star Survives Life-Threatening Aortic Dissection During Practice

A Clovis teenager is on the road to recovery after a routine basketball practice at Fresno City College turned into a frightening medical emergency...

Cannon Falls, MN, Jarle Norstad, Fixture of Local Sports and Schools, Dies at Age 71

Jarle Martin Norstad, a lifelong resident of Cannon Falls who spent decades shaping the town through sports, service and simple daily kindness, died peacefully...

Fairborn, OH, First Grade Teacher and Literacy Coach Tami Bartley Remembered by Students and Colleagues

The Xenia and Fairborn communities are grieving this week following the death of Tami Bartley, a former Xenia Community Schools Board Member and longtime...

Oklahoma City, OK, WBFF Athlete and Dog Rescue Advocate Kristyn Nicole Kysar Dies, Community Mourns

The fitness and animal rescue communities are grieving the loss of Kristyn Nicole Kysar, a professional fitness athlete with the World Beauty Fitness and...

Mount Pleasant, NC: Stephen “Buddy” Stancil, 77, Remembered as Dedicated BellSouth Employee and Avid Outdoorsman

Stephen "Buddy" Stancil, a well-known figure in the Mount Pleasant community, passed away on July 10, 2026, at Atrium Cabarrus. He was 77 years...