Karen McCollum is best known as Scottie Pippen’s first wife and the mother of his firstborn son, Antron Pippen. She was part of Pippen’s life when his NBA career was still new, before the Chicago Bulls won their first championship.
Their marriage lasted only a few years, but their connection through Antron continued long after the divorce. When Antron died in 2021, both parents shared their grief publicly. Karen called it a “pleasure and honor” to be his mother.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karen McCollum |
| Known For | First wife of Scottie Pippen |
| Former Husband | Scottie Pippen |
| Marriage Year | 1988 |
| Divorce Year | 1990 |
| Child | Antron Pippen |
| Antron’s Date of Birth | December 29, 1987 |
| Antron’s Date of Death | April 18, 2021 |
| Antron’s Age at Death | 33 |
| Family Connection | Mother of Scottie Pippen’s firstborn son |
| Antron’s Sport | Basketball |
| Antron’s Colleges | South Georgia Technical College and Texas A&M International University |
Karen McCollum Early Years
Karen McCollum was with Scottie Pippen during the early stage of his professional basketball career. Pippen entered the NBA in 1987 after the Seattle SuperSonics selected him with the fifth overall pick.
His draft rights soon moved to the Chicago Bulls. At the time, Pippen was still developing into the player who would later become one of the NBA’s best forwards.
Karen and Scottie had already started a family. Their son, Antron Pippen, was born on December 29, 1987.
The couple married in 1988. At that point, Pippen had not yet won an NBA championship and was still building his place beside Michael Jordan in Chicago.
Karen McCollum and Scottie Pippen’s Marriage
Karen McCollum and Scottie Pippen were married from 1988 to 1990. Their marriage covered an important period in Pippen’s early NBA career.
The couple already had their son when they married. Antron was still very young when his parents separated.
Their divorce was completed in 1990. A published biography of Pippen later noted that Antron lived in Chicago with his mother after the split.
Scottie’s career continued to rise after the divorce. In 1991, the Bulls won their first NBA championship.
Why Did Karen McCollum and Scottie Pippen Divorce?
Scottie Pippen later discussed his first marriage in his memoir, Unguarded.
He wrote that he did not believe he had enough time to be a good husband or father during that period. Basketball demanded much of his attention as he tried to establish himself in the NBA.
Pippen also wrote that he cared for Karen and was happy to have a son. Still, his career became his main focus.
The divorce came just before Chicago began its championship run. The Bulls won three straight NBA titles from 1991 through 1993.
Karen McCollum as Antron Pippen’s Mother
Motherhood became the strongest public part of Karen McCollum’s life after her divorce.
Antron was Scottie Pippen’s firstborn child and the only child Karen and Scottie had together.
A 1992 biography about Pippen reported that Antron lived with his mother in Chicago. He was still a child while his father was becoming one of basketball’s biggest stars.
Antron later followed his father into basketball. He played the sport through school and college.
Antron Pippen’s Basketball Career
Antron Pippen played college basketball at South Georgia Technical College during the 2006 to 2007 season.
He later played at Texas A&M International University.
Scottie said his son had chronic asthma. He believed the condition affected Antron’s chances of reaching the NBA.
Antron continued playing basketball after college. In 2013, he played in the World Basketball Association, where he averaged 21.6 points and 6.1 assists per game.
What Happened to Antron Pippen?
Antron Pippen died on April 18, 2021. He was 33 years old.
Scottie announced his son’s death publicly. He described Antron as kind hearted and said the two shared a love of basketball.
Scottie also mentioned Antron’s chronic asthma. He did not publicly confirm asthma as the cause of death.
He asked people to keep Antron’s mother, family, and friends in their thoughts and prayers.
Karen McCollum’s Tribute to Her Son
After Antron’s funeral, Karen McCollum shared a personal message about her son.
She wrote, “Son, it has been such a pleasure and honor to be your mother.”
Karen also spoke about the pain of losing him and the memories they had shared.
Her words gave one of the clearest public views of her relationship with Antron. She described a close bond between mother and son.
Karen McCollum After Her Divorce
Karen McCollum stayed largely outside mainstream celebrity coverage after her marriage ended.
Scottie Pippen went on to become a major NBA star. He won six championships with the Chicago Bulls and became a seven time NBA All Star.
He also played on the famous 1992 United States Olympic Dream Team and won Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996.
Karen did not follow Scottie into the same level of public attention. Most later reports about her focused on Antron and the Pippen family.
Scottie Pippen’s Career After Their Marriage
Scottie Pippen became one of the most successful players of the 1990s.
He helped the Chicago Bulls win championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998.
His partnership with Michael Jordan became one of the best known pairings in NBA history.
Pippen was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His career included NBA titles, Olympic gold medals, and several All Star selections.
Who Did Scottie Pippen Marry After Karen McCollum?
Scottie Pippen later married Larsa Pippen in 1997.
The couple had four children together: Scotty Pippen Jr., Preston Pippen, Justin Pippen, and Sophia Pippen.
Scottie and Larsa separated after nearly two decades of marriage. Their divorce was finalized in December 2021.
Antron remained Scottie’s oldest child and the only child he shared with Karen.
Karen McCollum and the Pippen Family
Karen McCollum remains connected to the Pippen family through Antron.
Antron was born before Scottie became an NBA champion. He grew up while his father’s career reached worldwide fame.
Scottie later had other children, but Antron remained his firstborn son.
When Antron died, Scottie publicly mentioned Karen while asking people to remember the family during the loss.
Facts About Karen McCollum
• Karen McCollum married Scottie Pippen in 1988.
• Their divorce was completed in 1990.
• Antron Pippen was their only child together.
• Antron was born on December 29, 1987.
• Antron was Scottie Pippen’s firstborn child.
• A 1992 biography reported that Antron lived with Karen in Chicago.
• Antron played basketball at South Georgia Technical College.
• He also attended Texas A&M International University.
• Scottie said Antron had chronic asthma.
• Antron died on April 18, 2021.
• He was 33 years old.
• Scottie did not publicly confirm a cause of death.
• Karen shared an emotional tribute after Antron’s funeral.
• Scottie Pippen won his first NBA title in 1991.
FAQs
Who is Karen McCollum?
Karen McCollum is the first wife of NBA legend Scottie Pippen and the mother of his firstborn son, Antron Pippen.
When did Karen McCollum marry Scottie Pippen?
Karen McCollum married Scottie Pippen in 1988, and their divorce was completed in 1990.
Did Karen McCollum and Scottie Pippen have a child?
Yes. They had one son together, Antron Pippen, who was born on December 29, 1987.
What happened to Karen McCollum’s son Antron Pippen?
Antron Pippen died on April 18, 2021, at age 33. Scottie said Antron had chronic asthma but did not publicly confirm a cause of death.
Who was Scottie Pippen’s second wife?
Scottie Pippen married Larsa Pippen in 1997. They had four children together before their divorce was finalized in December 2021.