“Basketball Wives” fans who fell in love with the Miami version can expect to laugh, cry and laugh again with latest spin-off, “Basketball Wives: LA” In a recent interview, Jackie Christie gives us a preview of what the VH1 reality show will look like:
What can you tell us about Basketball Wives: LA?
I think viewers should expect to see a group of women that are no-nonsense. We are very much in your face. I think they will see a different side to a lot of wives they think they may know. [Basketball Wives: LA] is a lot different from the Miami show. You’re going to see a lot more about who we are — you’re going to see into our lives completely.
Should viewers expect the show to be high on drama?
It’s extremely high on drama and excitement. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll go into a ride. It’s real. It’s no holds bar[red]. It’s looking into the life of an NBA wife, girlfriend, and fiancée in Los Angeles.
Is it hard to balance a career with being a basketball wife?
It’s hard to balance a career with being a basketball wife if your priorities aren’t correct — mine are. I’ve always had somewhat of a career while my husband played but I kept it low-key. I’m a fashion designer so I was designing clothes. The wives and the players were some of my main customers… But [my career] took a backseat when it came to support Doug when he played. For some women [the balance] may be hard. But for me it was easy because I knew he was my priority. When he slows down and hangs up his shoes, then I’ll step out into the limelight. That’s what I’m doing now and I’m going to forward with my fashion line, my books, and everything that I do for a career.
So I hear a lot of women complain. They’re under a lot of stress and say, “I feel guilty. I feel like I should be raising the kids while my husband works,” or they say “I don’t know, I’ve lost my identity. I don’t know who I am.” I counsel them all the time to find a path where they can have a career and be the wife of an athlete.
You’ve been married to Doug Christie for 16 years. What are your secret for making a marriage to a basketball player last?
My secret is respect — that’s the first and foremost thing. I think a lot of times with relationships if the husband or the boyfriend doesn’t respect the woman and vice versa you’re going to have a breakdown. You’re not going to have communication. You’re not going to be as intimate. You’re going to lack all the things that a strong and lasting relationship [needs].
My secret is to respect yourself and to respect your mate — put them first. As long as you do that you should be okay.
