Dan Marino Admits to Fathering Love Child with CBS Production Assistant

Super Bowl XLVII is not the only event garnering media attention this week. Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino is in the spotlight as well for things he didn't do on the gridiron.

The New York Post published a story on Thursday that Marino cheated on his wife of now 28 years and fathered a child with a woman he was having an affair with.

In the fall of 2003, Marino joined the in-studio team of Jim Nantz, Deion Sanders and Boomer Esiason on CBS Sports' NFL pre-game show The NFL Today.

However, it wasn't until 2004 that he became acquainted with a young (35 at the time) and beautiful production assistant, Donna Savattere.

Marino and Savattere carried on an intimate relationship that ultimately led to Savattere becoming pregnant—in June 2005 she gave birth to a daughter, Chloe.

Chloe's birth came just two months before Marino was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

To keep both the affair and child a secret, the two agreed that Marino would pay Savattere millions and she would relocate.

Marino has spent some time with his seven-year-old daughter according to the Post. To what extent is still unknown.

In response to this scandal, Marino made this written statement to the New York Post,

"

This is a personal and private matter.

I take full responsibility both personally and financially for my actions now as I did then. We mutually agreed to keep our arrangement private to protect all parties involved.

My wife and I have been married for almost 30 years and have six children together. And we continue to be a strong and loving family.

"

In light of the attention this had brought to the broadcast team, CBS also issued a statement to the Post. 

"

Dan has said all there is to say on this matter, and will be in his usual role on our broadcast Super Bowl Sunday.

"

Marino spent his entire 17-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, leading them to the playoffs 10 times—the one thing that had always eluded him was a Super Bowl ring.

He is heralded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. He holds, or has held, almost every major NFL passing record. One of greatest his achievements, most passing yards in a single season (5,084 yards), was finally surpassed by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees in 2011.

Marino held that record for 27 years.