Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has responded amid reports he kicked his pregnant girlfriend Julia Bonilla out of the house they shared.
TMZ first reported the news on Friday night with Bonilla then posting an emotional message seemingly confirming the news.
“Julia and I are currently in the painful process of redefining our co-parenting relationship,” he wrote on Instagram. “Being a father is one of the most profound and meaningful experience I will get to live. It is one of my most important life purposes and will be so forever.
“I’m fully committed to keep supporting the well-being of all the people that I care about. I’m asking everyone to please refrain from speculating and to respect our privacy in these difficult times.”
Gobert and Bonilla already have a child together and she was seen at a Timberwolves game back on April 13, TMZ Sports reported.
But a source close to the players’ wives and girlfriends told the outlet that despite their closeness, things apparently changed once she revealed that she was pregnant again.
Bonilla sought to move back to France after the breakup, but Gobert wants her and their child to stay in the U.S. in hopes of finding an amicable co-parenting situation once Minnesota’s season ends, according to TMZ.
Gobert posted a photo to his Instagram Stories on Sunday of him with his son.
“I’m going through one of the most painful times in my life, feeling isolated, far from my family and friends,” Bonilla wrote on her Instagram Stories before deleting her account. “I considered Rudy the love of my life. I left everything for him. I gave him a child and poured my heart into our relationship.
“When everyone, criticized and insulted him, I stood by him, always putting him first and choosing him, always. Despite how I have been treated, I choose to protect his name for the sake of my children. I have NEVER EVER been unfaithful to the father of my children.
“I am a mom and I must prioritize my health and well-being. Thank you for respecting my privacy during this challenging time.”
Gobert helped the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals with Minnesota taking out the Lakers and Warriors in five games each.
The Timberwolves will take on the Thunder with Game 1 in Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.