Former Disney Channel star Madison Pettis has made startling revelations about her past relationship with NBA forward Michael Porter Jr., describing her ex-boyfriend as a "psychopath" during a recent podcast appearance. The actress, now 27, dated the Brooklyn Nets player, also 27, from 2016 through mid-2017 when both were in their younger years.
Podcast Bombshell Dropped During Nighttime Routine Discussion
Pettis appeared on the 'In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele' podcast last week, where she was discussing her evening relaxation habits when the conversation turned to her romantic history. "I'll have a glass of wine and I'll probably watch a basketball game," Pettis explained. "I'm really into sports… that helps me unwind a little bit. I'm a Warriors fan, but I have NBA League Pass on DirecTV… so I watch a lot of basketball. I know a lot of stuff."
Basketball Wife Question Triggers Candid Response
When host Owen Thiele asked if she would consider being "a basketball wife," Pettis responded with surprising candor about her previous relationship. "Um, yeah," Pettis said. "I mean, my ex is now in the NBA. When we dated, he was in high school and college. I broke up with him before he was in the league because he was a psychopath."
The actress, known for roles in 'The Game Plan,' 'Cory in the House,' and 'He's All That,' did not elaborate further on what specific behaviors led her to characterize Porter with such strong language. While she didn't name the basketball star directly during the podcast, the timeline and details clearly pointed to Porter, with whom she had a publicly documented relationship.
Relationship History and Public Appearances
The former couple's romance was visible enough that they attended the Radio Disney Music Awards together in Los Angeles in 2017, shortly before their split. Pettis emphasized that despite her negative experience with one athlete, she hasn't completely ruled out dating sports professionals in the future.
"I do think a lot of athletes are not great partners, but I wouldn't rule it out because I do love what they do," Pettis explained. "I would have respect for them and love to talk to them about their passion."
Michael Porter Jr.'s Career and Controversial Comments
Porter was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, after his relationship with Pettis had ended. The forward won an NBA Championship with the Nuggets in 2023 before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets last summer.
Shortly after arriving in New York, Porter himself sparked controversy with comments about relationships during an appearance on the 'One Night with Steiny' podcast. With $115 million in career earnings, Porter discussed his expectations from partners in terms that drew significant attention.
"I don't mind providing for you, I don't mind doing that," Porter said. "You can stay at the crib, you can do your thing. You gotta bring something to the table. Positivity, you gotta help me mentally, you gotta be able to cook or something. You gotta bring something to the table… look, what value are you bringing to my life? That's the way I look at it now."
Porter's Defense of Traditional Relationship Dynamics
The former NBA champion pointed to his own mother as an example of what he values in a partner. "In a wifey, I don't mind if she's a stay-at-home mom," he continued. "My mom was a stay-at-home mom but she raised all eight of us kids, she homeschooled us, she cooked for us when my dad was out working, she raised us."
Porter concluded with criticism of contemporary dating expectations: "You gotta be able to do something. These girls nowadays it's like they just want to live like queens and do absolutely nothing."
The contrasting perspectives from both former partners have created a public conversation about relationship expectations, professional athlete partnerships, and how past romances continue to influence public perceptions years after they end.
