'Basketball Wives LA': A Cover for Matt & Gloria’s Rocky Times?

Alas, Gloria Govan's relationship with NBA baller Matt Barnes is no more. According to TMZ.com, the two have decided to call it quits. In Miami, Gloria had a heck of a time assuring the ladies (sort of) that all was well with her beau. But her declarations felt a little wobbly. Was there really trouble in paradise? A domestic dispute and a broken engagement don't exactly point in a positive and loving direction. Still, the Oakland native confirmed that she and Matt were going strong. Or were they?

Enter the stage, "Basketball Wives L.A.", a spinoff that oddly seems to be centered on Gloria and her family---with the other wives' squabbles to fill in the blanks. If you were a conspiracy theorist, you might even say that the entire season was a ploy to cover up Matt and Gloria's Rocky Times. Here are some clues that an impending split was near…

The Lingerie Shoot

Gloria looked great in that lingerie photo shoot. She's a pretty girl. But something about that shoot had "validation" written all over it. We're not saying that Matt wasn't attracted to his lovely future bride. But as we watched, we imagined Gloria thinking:

"Look at me. I'm doing a lingerie shoot in front of my fiancé so he will be reminded of how sexy I am. And for good measure, I'll make sure my stylist/photographer/friend gets a great shot of my engagement ring. You see? We're still going strong. I look cool, and I've got a ring. Look at it. See? I told you so."

The Bet

Most of the validating behavior actually occurred in the kitchen as the two made horseplay and idle chitchat. The conversation ended with one of the most uncomfortable flirt scenes of all time. In exchange for Matt's participation in a charity, she agrees to be "on call" for sex. Sure, the exchange is supposed to be cute. But how come these two were never this playful in the opening season of "Basketball Wives"?

Speaking of Charity Events

These two love themselves some sports…and charity work…and charity work about sports. Does this couple really team up for this much extracurricular activity? We'll never really know. But since it's all for a good cause, it's a moot point. Gloria admits during the season that she's excited to showcase another aspect to Matt (and furthermore, their solid relationship). But the sudden philanthropic united front seems a little dodgy.

The "Wedding"

Unfortunately for these reality stars, a wedding wasn't in the cards. But that doesn't mean that we didn't get tricked into believing that the two were about to jump the broom. Gloria's voiceover during the twins' dedication implied that the setting (white dress, suit, etc.) would make Matt sentimental. But she quickly nixes this idea; they'll marry when they please. It may be tomorrow…It may be 10 years, she says. Wait, 10 years? What?

It's sad when any couple breaks up, especially those with small children. We weren't really rooting for Gloria and Matt to fail. (Well, maybe Evelyn was.) But the saying about those who "doth protest too much" seems to apply in this case. Unfortunately, what the reality couple didn't say during "Basketball Wives L.A." speaks louder than words.

SOURCES:

www.vh1.com

www.tmz.com

www.tv.yahoo.com

More From This Contributor: