Erin Barry is a children’s rights advocate and the ex-wife of former NBA player Brent Barry. Born in 1972 and adopted as an infant, she built a career as a court-appointed special advocate for abused children. Her 12-year marriage to Brent ended in 2011 following a highly publicized scandal involving Tony Parker and Eva Longoria.
Quick Facts About Erin Barry
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Erin Barry (maiden name possibly Stai) |
| Birth Year | 1972 |
| Age | 52-53 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States (exact location private) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dark hair, olive skin (biological heritage unknown) |
| Adoption | Adopted by Irish-Polish couple as infant |
| Raised In | San Francisco, California area |
| Education | English Literature degree (University of Oregon), Law degree |
| Profession | Children’s Rights Advocate, Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) |
| Work Locations | Chicago, Seattle, San Antonio (as CASA worker) |
| Previous Marriage | Brent Barry (1998-2011) |
| Years Married | Approximately 12 years |
| Children | Two sons—Quinn (born 2000) and Cade (born 2006) |
| Divorce Year | 2011 (filed October 2010, finalized January 2011) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $8 million |
| Current Status | Private life, continued advocacy work |
| Relationship Status | Unknown (has not remarried publicly) |
Who Is Erin Barry?
She’s the woman who went from supporting an NBA star to defending voiceless children in courtrooms across America. While most people remember her name from tabloid headlines in 2010, Erin’s real story involves years of dedication to helping abused and neglected kids find safety and justice.
You won’t find her on social media or attending celebrity events anymore. After her divorce from Brent Barry became public spectacle, she stepped away from the spotlight completely. She chose advocacy work and motherhood over fame, building a life focused on making genuine difference rather than maintaining public image.
Her Unique Early Life
Erin was born in 1972 to a teenage mother who made the difficult decision to place her for adoption. An Irish-Polish couple adopted her shortly after birth, giving her a loving home near San Francisco, California.
Her adoptive family looked noticeably different from her. She had dark hair and olive skin while her parents and siblings had lighter features. This visible difference shaped her early understanding of identity, belonging, and acceptance. These childhood experiences likely influenced her later passion for helping children who feel different or displaced.
She attended an all-girls Catholic school in the San Francisco area. The structured environment taught her discipline and gave her strong educational foundation. Her school years prepared her for the academic challenges ahead and helped shape her values around service and community.
Education and Academic Achievement
Erin excelled academically, earning admission to the University of Oregon. She pursued English Literature as her major, developing strong communication skills and deepening her understanding of human stories and experiences. Reading countless narratives about struggle, triumph, and human nature prepared her for work requiring empathy and insight.
After completing her undergraduate degree, she continued to law school. This decision wasn’t about becoming a corporate attorney or chasing big salaries. Instead, she wanted tools to help people navigate the legal system—particularly children who couldn’t advocate for themselves.
Her law education equipped her with knowledge about family courts, child welfare systems, and legal advocacy. She learned how to present cases effectively, understand complex regulations, and fight for vulnerable populations within bureaucratic structures. This training became essential for her future career.
Meeting Brent Barry
Erin met Brent Barry during their high school years. She attended an all-girls Catholic school while Brent studied at a nearby all-boys school in the San Francisco area. Their paths crossed through mutual friends or school events, sparking a connection that would last years.
Their relationship developed seriously during college. Erin attended the University of Oregon while Brent received a basketball scholarship to Oregon State University. Despite attending different schools, they maintained their relationship through this period of growth and change.
Brent showed exceptional basketball talent early. He came from basketball royalty—his father Rick Barry was an NBA Hall of Famer. This family legacy created pressure but also opened doors. Erin watched Brent navigate these expectations while developing his own identity as a player.
Understanding Brent Barry’s Career
Brent was born December 31, 1971, in Hempstead, New York. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, he played primarily as a shooting guard with excellent three-point shooting ability and surprising versatility. His height allowed him to play multiple positions including point guard and small forward.
The Denver Nuggets selected him 15th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft but immediately traded him to the Los Angeles Clippers. His rookie season was impressive—he made 123 three-pointers, breaking the rookie record at that time. He even won the 1996 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the first white player to claim that title.
Over his 14-year career, Brent played for six teams: the Clippers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. He won two NBA championships with the Spurs in 2005 and 2007. His career earnings and accomplishments provided comfortable lifestyle for his family.
After retiring in 2009, Brent worked as an NBA analyst for TNT and NBA TV. In 2018, he joined the San Antonio Spurs’ front office in basketball operations. Most recently, in August 2024, he became an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns, continuing his basketball career in new capacity.
Their Marriage in 1998
Erin and Brent married in 1998 in Texas after Brent completed his first two NBA seasons. Their wedding celebrated their long relationship—from high school sweethearts to college couples to now husband and wife embarking on professional sports life together.
The wedding marked the beginning of constant travel and public attention. NBA wives face unique challenges—their husbands travel extensively, play in high-pressure situations, and deal with media scrutiny constantly. Erin adapted to this lifestyle, supporting Brent while trying to maintain her own identity.
They settled into NBA life with Brent playing for different teams. Each move meant new cities, new homes, new communities. Erin had to make friends, find purpose, and create stability while Brent focused on basketball. This nomadic lifestyle tests many marriages, but they seemed to handle it well initially.
Building Her Advocacy Career
Despite the demands of NBA life, Erin pursued meaningful work. She became a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children. This role involves representing children in family court, investigating their situations, and making recommendations about their best interests.
She worked as a CASA volunteer and juvenile court caseworker in Chicago, Seattle, and San Antonio—cities where Brent played. Her work required immense compassion, strong legal knowledge, and emotional resilience. She met children suffering from abuse, neglect, addiction in their homes, and traumatic experiences.
Her typical responsibilities included visiting children in foster homes or shelters, interviewing family members and teachers, reviewing case files, attending court hearings, and writing reports for judges. She became the voice for kids who couldn’t speak for themselves in overwhelming legal proceedings.
Beyond her official duties, Erin participated in fundraising events and awareness campaigns. She collaborated with NBA teams and community organizations on initiatives like the Ashley Furniture Homestore Spurs 5K Run/Walk, which raised money for children’s causes. Her dedication went far beyond required work hours.
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Their Two Sons
Erin and Brent welcomed their first son, Quinn, in 2000. Becoming a mother added new dimension to her life and deepened her commitment to child welfare work. Seeing her own child thrive made the contrast with abused children even more heartbreaking and motivating.
Their second son, Cade, was born in 2006. With two boys, Erin balanced motherhood, her advocacy work, and supporting Brent’s career. Managing all three demanded exceptional organizational skills, patience, and dedication. She made it work through careful planning and clear priorities.
Both parents chose to keep Quinn and Cade out of the public eye as much as possible. They understood that growing up as NBA kids created enough pressure without adding media attention. This protective approach showed wisdom about childhood development and family privacy.
The 2010 Scandal
In 2010, Erin’s private life exploded into tabloid headlines. Reports emerged about text messages between her and Tony Parker, Brent’s teammate on the San Antonio Spurs. Tony was married to actress Eva Longoria, making the story even more sensational for entertainment media.
The alleged texting relationship involved flirtatious and suggestive messages. According to various reports, Eva Longoria discovered hundreds of texts between Tony and Erin over several months—including roughly 100 texts in just one month. The discovery devastated Eva and led to immediate marital problems.
Erin denied having a physical affair with Tony. She released a public statement saying: “Unfortunately, because our divorces are occurring at the same time, great speculation has been cast on our friendship. My friendship with Tony Parker had nothing to do with the end of my marriage (which is painful enough without this added drama), and to assume that we had an affair is naive, ridiculous, and completely misguided.”
She continued: “Every day I dedicate myself to being a good person and the best Mom that I can possibly be for my two beautiful children. I have spent my adult life fighting for children who have been victimized. So forgive me for not caring when someone tells me that my name is being dragged through the mud.”
The Divorce Process
Brent filed for divorce from Erin on October 29, 2010, citing “irreconcilable differences.” This came just weeks before Eva Longoria filed for divorce from Tony Parker in November 2010. The timing fueled speculation that both marriages ended due to the alleged inappropriate relationship.
Their divorce was finalized on January 5, 2011, officially ending their approximately 12-year marriage. The terms allowed them to share joint custody of Quinn and Cade, showing both parents’ commitment to co-parenting despite their personal issues.
Brent’s father, Rick Barry, commented publicly when news broke. He expressed shock and pain for his son, noting that he knew Erin was moving out. Rick’s perspective suggested the marital problems went deeper than just the Tony Parker situation—there were likely ongoing issues that the scandal brought to a breaking point.
The divorce played out under intense media scrutiny. Every court filing, every statement, every rumor became tabloid fodder. For Erin, who valued privacy and focused on helping children, this public humiliation was particularly devastating. Her reputation took hits that would take years to overcome.
Understanding the Controversy
The scandal involved several high-profile people, making it irresistible to entertainment media. You had an NBA star (Tony Parker), a television actress (Eva Longoria), and two people connected to basketball’s social circles (Brent and Erin Barry). This combination guaranteed massive coverage.
Tony and Eva’s marriage ended officially in 2011. Tony later married French journalist Axelle Francine in 2014, though they separated in 2020. He’s currently dating tennis player Alize Lim, whom he met in 2021. Eva married Mexican businessman José Antonio “Pepe” Bastón in 2016 and appears happily settled.
The texting scandal remains one of the most discussed celebrity infidelity stories of the early 2010s. It illustrates how private matters become public entertainment when famous people are involved. The actual truth—whether anything physical happened or if it was just inappropriate messaging—remains known only to those directly involved.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Erin made conscious choice to disappear from public view. She stopped attending NBA events, avoided media interviews, and built walls around her personal life. This privacy wasn’t about hiding—it was about healing and protecting her children.
She continued her advocacy work for children, though specific details about her current employment remain private. Her passion for helping vulnerable kids didn’t disappear because her marriage ended. If anything, experiencing personal pain probably deepened her empathy for children facing trauma.
She focused intensely on being present for Quinn and Cade. The divorce impacted them regardless of how carefully their parents handled it. Erin made their wellbeing her top priority, ensuring they had stability, love, and normalcy despite the circumstances.
Whether she remarried remains unknown. Unlike Brent, who remained single and focused on his basketball career, Erin’s relationship status stays completely private. She might be single, dating, or even remarried—but she’s not sharing that information publicly, and that’s her right.
Her Current Life in 2025
At 52-53 years old, Erin lives quietly somewhere in the United States. She maintains no social media presence—no Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or any other platform. This complete digital absence is unusual but reflects her values about privacy and authentic living.
She likely still works in child advocacy or related fields. Her education, experience, and passion all point toward continued involvement in protecting vulnerable children. Whether she works for courts, nonprofit organizations, or private advocacy groups remains private information.
Her relationship with her sons continues as they’ve grown into young adults. Quinn is now 24-25 years old, and Cade is 18-19. Both boys likely attended college or pursued other paths after high school. Erin’s protective approach means their current lives and accomplishments stay private.
She occasionally might attend Brent’s games or family events, maintaining civil relationship for their children’s sake. Good co-parents often attend important milestones together despite personal history. Their ability to move past the scandal for their sons’ benefit shows maturity and perspective.
Her Estimated Net Worth
Erin’s net worth is estimated around $8 million as of 2025. This figure comes from multiple sources including divorce settlement assets, her own career earnings, and potentially investments or property ownership.
Divorce settlements for NBA marriages typically include property division, possible spousal support, and child support arrangements. Brent’s career earnings over 14 NBA seasons totaled millions of dollars. Erin would have received fair share of marital assets accumulated during their 12-year marriage.
Her own career as an advocate and caseworker provided income, though social work and advocacy positions typically don’t pay extremely high salaries. Her wealth comes more from the marriage settlement and smart financial management than from ongoing high earnings.
The $8 million estimate allows comfortable lifestyle without extravagance. She can focus on meaningful work and raising her sons without financial stress. This security gives her freedom to maintain privacy and choose work based on passion rather than necessity.
Comparing Her to Other NBA Wives
Most NBA wives embrace the lifestyle—attending games regularly, building social media followings, enjoying luxury perks, and sometimes leveraging connections for personal brands or careers. Erin never fit this mold even during her marriage.
Her focus stayed on her advocacy work and motherhood rather than courtside fashion or celebrity status. She attended games to support Brent but didn’t seek attention or try to become known independently. This approach made her different from many other NBA spouses.
After divorce, most former NBA wives maintain some connection to basketball circles or use their past status for opportunities. Erin completely severed those ties, choosing privacy over any potential benefits her connection to Brent might provide.
Her choice to step away entirely shows genuine character. She didn’t need basketball’s glamour or status. She had her own purpose and identity separate from being “Brent Barry’s wife.” The divorce freed her to pursue that identity more fully.
Lessons from Her Journey
Erin’s story teaches valuable lessons about resilience, identity, and personal values. First, you can build meaningful career and identity even while supporting someone else’s dreams. Her advocacy work mattered regardless of Brent’s basketball success.
Second, public scandal doesn’t have to define you permanently. Erin experienced humiliation and judgment but refused to let that become her entire story. She moved forward with dignity rather than engaging in public battles or publicity stunts.
Third, privacy is powerful. By stepping away from public life, Erin protected her mental health, her children’s wellbeing, and her ability to do meaningful work. She proved that validation from strangers isn’t necessary for fulfilling life.
Fourth, career transitions are possible. She went from English Literature student to law student to advocate to divorced single mother rebuilding her life. Each transition required courage and adaptability she demonstrated consistently.
Addressing the Scandal Fairly
Fifteen years after the scandal, perspective matters. Was inappropriate texting between Erin and Tony wrong? Yes, particularly given both were married to other people. Did it deserve the massive media circus? Probably not.
The scandal involved private matters between adults that should have stayed private. The fact that Tony was famous and married to an actress turned personal mistakes into entertainment content. Erin and Brent’s marriage problems became public spectacle rather than private pain.
She denied any physical affair, and no concrete evidence contradicted her statement. Inappropriate texting showed poor judgment but doesn’t necessarily equal full affair. The distinction matters when evaluating the situation fairly.
Both marriages ended, and all parties moved forward. Tony and Eva both remarried and built new lives. Brent focused on his career and co-parenting. Erin disappeared from view to rebuild privately. Time has allowed everyone to heal and grow beyond those difficult months.
Her Impact on Child Advocacy
Erin’s most important legacy isn’t her connection to Brent or the scandal—it’s her years of work helping vulnerable children. As a CASA volunteer and juvenile court caseworker, she directly impacted hundreds of kids’ lives.
She investigated abuse cases, wrote court reports, advocated in hearings, and fought for children’s best interests. She did this work even when it was emotionally exhausting, even when cases didn’t end happily, even when progress felt impossibly slow.
Her dedication to child welfare work for over a decade shows genuine commitment to social justice. She didn’t need this work for money or status—she chose it because she cared deeply about protecting kids who couldn’t protect themselves.
This work continues defining her more than any celebrity connection ever could. The children she helped, the families she supported, the cases she influenced—these represent her real impact on the world.
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Why People Still Search for Her
“Where is Erin Barry now?” remains a popular search query in 2025. This continued interest reflects several cultural factors. First, people love “where are they now” stories about anyone connected to fame or scandal.
Second, her complete disappearance creates mystery. In the social media age, most people maintain some public presence. Erin’s total absence makes people curious about her current life.
Third, the scandal itself remains memorable because it involved multiple famous people and played out publicly. People who followed the story want resolution or updates about how everyone turned out.
Fourth, her story resonates with anyone who experienced public humiliation or relationship challenges. People see their own struggles reflected in her journey and hope she found peace and happiness afterward.
Her Legacy Moving Forward
At 52-53 years old in 2025, Erin has hopefully found peace after years of rebuilding. Her sons are grown or nearly grown, giving her different freedom and perspective. Her advocacy work continues making difference in children’s lives.
She’ll likely never return to public life. That chapter closed permanently when she divorced Brent and stepped away from NBA circles. Her future will be lived privately, focused on work, family, and personal fulfillment.
Her legacy reminds us that people are more than their worst moments or biggest scandals. She made mistakes, faced consequences, and moved forward with dignity. She chose meaningful work over easy celebrity. She protected her children over satisfying public curiosity.
These choices define her more than tabloid headlines from 2010. Erin Barry is a children’s advocate, a mother, a survivor of public humiliation who rebuilt her life with strength and purpose. That’s the real story worth remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Erin Barry and why is she famous?
Erin Barry is a children’s rights advocate and the ex-wife of former NBA player Brent Barry. She gained public attention during their 2010 divorce, which happened amid a scandal involving text messages with Tony Parker, who was married to Eva Longoria at the time. Before and during her marriage, she worked as a court-appointed special advocate for abused children in Chicago, Seattle, and San Antonio.
2. What happened between Erin Barry and Tony Parker?
In 2010, reports emerged about inappropriate text messages between Erin and Tony Parker, Brent’s teammate on the San Antonio Spurs. Eva Longoria reportedly discovered hundreds of texts between them over several months. Erin denied having a physical affair, stating their “friendship” was mischaracterized. Both marriages ended shortly after—Brent and Erin divorced in January 2011, and Tony and Eva’s divorce was finalized soon after.
3. How many children does Erin Barry have with Brent Barry?
Erin and Brent have two sons together: Quinn, born in 2000, and Cade, born in 2006. Both boys have been kept largely out of the public eye throughout their lives. The divorce settlement included joint custody arrangements, allowing both parents to remain involved in raising their sons. As of 2025, Quinn is in his mid-20s and Cade is in his late teens.
4. What is Erin Barry’s estimated net worth in 2025?
Erin Barry’s net worth is estimated at approximately $8 million. This wealth comes from her divorce settlement with Brent Barry (who earned millions during his 14-year NBA career), her own career earnings from advocacy work, and likely wise financial management and investments. Her financial security allows her to focus on meaningful work and maintaining her private lifestyle without economic pressure.
5. Where is Erin Barry now and what is she doing?
Erin Barry lives privately somewhere in the United States and has no social media presence. She’s believed to continue her work in child advocacy or related fields, though specific details remain private. She has not remarried publicly and maintains complete privacy about her personal life. She focuses on her sons, her advocacy work, and living away from the public spotlight she experienced during her marriage and divorce.
