Before 2011 comes to a close, another Hollywood couple has decided to call it quits in 2011. Possibly stemming from their 2003 troubles that began in Colorado, Vanessa Bryant has filed for divorce from husband and NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.

Perhaps in an attempt to avoid making the details of the ensuing divorce public, the statement made by the couple told fans and reporters that Vanessa and Kobe had "resolved all issues incident to their divorce privately." According to court papers filed with the divorce petition, the couple will share child custody over their two daughters.

The news has caused many to speculate whether the 2003 incident in which Kobe was accused of sexually assaulting a hotel employee in Colorado is related to the couple's marital trouble, but Vanessa Bryant was tight-lipped about her motivations, citing "irreconcilable differences" as her reason for the divorce in her petition.

Experts say that Kobe could be forced to part with a large amount of money in the divorce settlement and subsequent spousal and child support payments. Due to state divorce law, divorce after a marriage that lasts 10 years legally entitles a spouse to maintain the standard of living he or she had during the marriage. Because of Kobe's impressive salary and endorsement deals, experts say Vanessa could likely receive $75 million or more in the divorce settlement, not counting ongoing child support and alimony payments.

Kobe is currently the NBA's highest-paid player with a salary of $24.8 million. According to Forbe's Magazine, he earned an estimated$ 53 million in 2010 before agent fees and taxes thanks to a number of a high profile endorsement deals with Mercedes-Benz, Turkish Airlines and several other companies.

Source: Los Angeles Times, "Kobe Bryan's divorce 'really sad' for kids, family, neighbors say," Dec. 21, 2011