Former first lady Michelle Obama recently opened up about a noteworthy incident involving her husband, former President Barack Obama, during his time in the White House.

While speaking on her podcast, Mrs. Obama shared that her husband, Barack, suffered an injury while playing basketball in 2010, leading to a significant medical procedure, as the Daily Mail reports.

This revelation came to light amid swirling rumors of a potential split between the couple, further highlighted by Michelle's commentary on personal decision-making.

Presidential injury, explained

In 2010, during a pickup game of basketball at the White House, then-President Obama was injured, resulting in a split lip that required over 30 stitches, as detailed by Michelle Obama on her podcast.

The then-president sustained the injury after colliding with Rey Decerega, a participant in the game. The incident happened just before Mr. Obama was set to deliver an important speech in Washington following a bipartisan congressional meeting.

Michelle explained that the injury brought about necessary precautions, which included advising her husband to set aside his basketball shoes. She remarked on her podcast, "I'm like, 'Ugh,' because I'm always like, 'Be careful playing basketball. You shouldn't be playing now. You now have a real important job.'"

It was an event that left its mark not only in the form of stitches but in the mindful approach suggested by Michelle afterwards.

Harrowing collision, recalled

Images from the time showed a determined Barack Obama with gauze on his lip and carrying an ice pack. Despite the discomfort, the former president pressed on, receiving a local anesthetic to manage the injury he had sustained. His love for basketball was well-known, though this incident became a prominent reminder of the potential risks.

Decerega, who inadvertently caused the injury, described Barack as a tough competitor and a great sport. He shared confidence that the president would soon be back on the court, reassured by his friend's competitive spirit and sportsmanship. This reflected Barack Obama's determination to maintain his active lifestyle, even while holding the highest office in the country.

Michelle's brother, Craig Robinson, participated in the same game in which the accident occurred. He lauded Barack's skills, noting his balance between competitiveness and teamwork.

Craig's observations highlighted what he said were Barack Obama's natural leadership qualities, which were evident in the way he played and handled himself on and off the court.

Divorce rumors addressed

The revelation of this past incident emerged as Michelle Obama addressed persistent rumors about her marriage. These rumors gained traction when the former first lady chose not to attend two high-profile events, including former President Jimmy Carter's funeral and President Donald Trump's January inauguration. Her absence led to speculation about her personal life, prompting Michelle to emphasize her independence in decision-making.

In a podcast discussion with Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama touched on the challenges she believes women face regarding independence and societal expectations.

"That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people," she said, referencing the assumptions made about her choices. She clarified that the rumors of divorce were baseless, emphasizing the strength and autonomy of her decisions.

Michelle Obama celebrated her 61st birthday just days before Trump's inauguration, marking another milestone in her life. The occasion underscored her emphasis on key life decisions without external pressure or speculation about her marriage. It was a moment in which Michelle Obama said she decided to assert her independence and personal agency.

Barack Obama's marriage confessions

Barack Obama's introspective acknowledgment of being in a "deep deficit" with Michelle also played into the narrative, reflecting on his intentions to mend the gap by engaging in enjoyable activities together. The former president has been open about working to balance the demands of his career with personal life, especially during his time in office. This conscious effort described has illustrated his awareness of maintaining a healthy relationship amid public and private life pressures.

The story shared by Michelle Obama offers a glimpse into the personal lives of the former first family, shedding light on the balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. Their dynamic remains a testament to navigating life under the public's watchful eye while maintaining individual identities.

This recent disclosure, while centered on a past incident, speaks volumes about the high-profile nature of the Obamas' lives and their commitments to both public service and personal growth. It highlights the broader themes of resilience, independence, and mutual respect inherent in their relationship.