People still talk about it. Usually, when a high-profile sports couple splits, it fades into a Wikipedia footnote within a few months. But the marriage between former pro baseball player Richard Giannotti and FS1 powerhouse Joy Taylor has followed a different trajectory. It’s been years since their 2017 divorce, yet their names remain inextricably linked in Google searches and sports media circles. Why? Honestly, it’s because the story didn’t end at the courthouse.
The fascination isn't just about "who left whom." It’s about two people who occupied the center of the sports-entertainment universe and then moved in diametrically opposite directions. One chose a life of quiet, high-level financial advising and a suburban family; the other became one of the most recognizable and, at times, polarizing figures in sports broadcasting.
The Miami Spark and the Biltmore Wedding
It started in 2014. Joy was a rising star in Miami radio, co-hosting the Zaslow and Joy Show on 790 AM The Ticket. Richard was wrapping up a nine-year grind in professional baseball. He wasn't a Major League superstar, but he was a respected outfielder who had seen time in the Anaheim Angels organization and the independent leagues. They were a Miami "it" couple—young, athletic, and undeniably driven.
By 2015, they were engaged. On February 13, 2016, they tied the knot at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. It was the kind of wedding that looks perfect on Instagram: palm trees, luxury, and a guest list packed with sports royalty, including Joy’s brother, NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
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But the "forever" part didn't even make it to the two-year mark.
Why Richard Giannotti and Joy Taylor Actually Split
The divorce was finalized in 2017. For a long time, the public reason was the standard "irreconcilable differences." In the world of sports media, where everyone knows everyone, the rumors were a lot louder than the official statements.
Fast forward to 2025 and 2026, and the narrative has shifted significantly due to legal filings that weren't public back then. A lawsuit filed by a former Fox Sports hairstylist, Noushin Faraji, threw a wrench into the "clean break" narrative. The court documents alleged that the marriage crumbled after Richard discovered evidence of Joy’s alleged infidelity with network executives and other athletes.
Specifically, the filings mentioned a 2016 dinner where Richard reportedly became suspicious of Joy's interactions with Fox Sports executive Charlie Dixon. While Joy has never confirmed these specific allegations—and has spoken openly about her own experiences as a survivor of domestic abuse in past relationships—the legal drama has kept the Giannotti-Taylor saga alive in the headlines long after most people expected it to die.
Life After the Divorce: Two Different Worlds
If you look at where they are now, in 2026, the contrast is staggering.
Richard Giannotti basically pulled a disappearing act from the celebrity circuit, and frankly, it seems to have worked out for him. He leaned hard into his finance background (he has a degree from the University of Miami). Today, he’s a Wealth Advisor at RFG Advisory, specifically helping pro athletes manage their money so they don't go broke—a world he knows intimately.
- Family Life: He remarried Kristen Simigran in 2020.
- The Kids: They have three sons now—Beau, Banks, and Baker.
- The Vibe: His social media is pure "dad mode" mixed with financial tips. No drama. No hot takes. Just a guy living in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
Joy Taylor, on the other hand, stayed in the eye of the storm. Her career at Fox Sports was a rocket ship—Undisputed, The Herd, and finally co-hosting Speak. But 2025 was a brutal year for her professionally. Amidst the aforementioned lawsuit and a massive shake-up at FS1, her show was canceled.
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In a raw interview on the Higher Learning podcast, Joy admitted that the "joy for the business" had been sucked out of her. She’s currently navigating a bit of a "free agent" era, focusing on her Two Personal podcast and digital ventures while distancing herself from the daily TV grind.
The Lingering Questions
You've probably seen the "Richard Giannotti net worth" searches. People assume he’s just "the ex-husband," but his financial career has actually been quite lucrative. Between his executive roles and his wealth management firm, estimates put him comfortably in the multi-million dollar range, likely surpassing the earnings of many of the athletes he advises.
The most common misconception? That they still have "beef." While the lawsuit dragged their past into the light, there’s no evidence of ongoing contact. They’ve both moved on, just in very different ways. Richard chose the safety of the "real world," while Joy is still fighting to define her legacy in a media landscape that can be incredibly fickle.
Moving Forward: Lessons from a Public Split
If you're following this story because you're interested in the people, the "next step" is to watch their current output rather than their past. Richard is a goldmine for financial literacy if you're an athlete or a high-earner. Joy, despite the recent FS1 exit, remains one of the sharpest communicators in media; her shift toward independent digital content is likely where the real "unfiltered" Joy will finally emerge.
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To stay updated on their current paths, check out these resources:
- Follow Richard Giannotti on LinkedIn or via RFG Advisory for insights on athlete wealth management.
- Tune into The Joy Taylor Show or her Two Personal podcast for her latest commentary on culture and sports.
- Review the publicly available court filings (Faraji v. Fox Entertainment Group) if you want to understand the complexities of the allegations that surfaced in 2025.