On Tuesday, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner issued a joint statement through Peopleannouncing their divorce after ten years of marriage. The couple had reportedly entered a separation period ten months ago, according to TMZ — nicely squashing the general knee-jerk reaction of assuming any couple's divorce is a sudden or even surprising event.
Citing both their "Jen" and "Ben" sources, respectively, the esteemed literary journal claims that Affleck's increasing fondness for the pleasures of gambling and drinking eventually contributed to the ten-month separation and ensuing divorce. These sources are quick to point out that Affleck "did not go out and did not womanize," though his chosen vices eventually proved too much for Garner and their ten-year relationship.
As previously reported, Affleck is so skilled at Blackjack — and, admittedly, counting cards — that multiple casinos have insisted he cease playing the game. "The fact that being good at the game is against the rules at a casino should tell you something about a casino," Affleck told Details in 2014. "They don't want you to have a sporting chance." For the record, the practice of counting cards is not illegal — though its implementation its generally very strongly discouraged by two guys with shaved heads and cheap suits ready to sucker-punch you near the dumpster outside the casino.
Thankfully, the Affleck / Garner split appears largely amicable — with reports that the former couple will continue to live together at their Pacific Palisades residence. The couple appears to be insistent on maintaining a peaceful co-parenting situation, according to NY Daily News. Such steps are admirable, and should serve as an example of how to handle a separation with grace.
