Arthur Blank Divorce Papers: Falcons Owner Gets Super Bowl Surprise

(PHOTO:REUTERS/Tami Chappell)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank walks along the sidelines in the final minutes of their NFL football pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Atlanta, Georgia August 27, 2007. The troubles of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who pleaded guilty on Monday to a charge of dogfighting, could hurt the team both on and off the field, analysts said.

By Brittney R. Villalva , Christian Post Reporter

February 4, 2013|10:04 am

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank was hit with divorce papers over the weekend from his wife of over 16 years.

Blank's soon to be ex-wife appears to have impeccable timing. She has filed divorce papers from Blank, 70, just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. The day was probably already disappointing for Blank, whose team was not involved.

The co-founder of Home Depot, Blank and his wife were married for over 16 years. The couple has three children between them. According to reports, Blank saw the move coming. The pair officially split last year with a statement ensuring that they would remain on amicable terms.

"Arthur and Stephanie have decided to separate from their 16-year marriage. They remain great friends and are committed to working together to parent their three wonderful children," the statement read in The Atlantic Journal-Constitution. "They are also both as committed as ever to their philanthropic work and business enterprises in the community."

The couple also shared concerns for their children and asked for privacy at the time.

"This is a sad and difficult time for Arthur, Stephanie and their family. They respectfully ask for privacy in this matter and will have no comment," the statement continued.

In the divorce filings, Stephanie Blank stated that their union had been "irretrievably broken" according to TMZ. A "comprehensive Parenting Plan" has already been worked out, according to the report in addition to other money and property issues. The actual settlement, however, has remained confidential.

Blank is worth over $1.3 billion according to Forbes magazine, making him one of the richest people in the world.