The Wholesome Lady & The Bulldog: Revisiting Klay Thompson's Famous Denial Of Abigail Ratchford Rumors

The persistent rumors connecting NBA star Klay Thompson and glamour model Abigail Ratchford are one of the most memorable and bizarre celebrity dating stories of the last decade, primarily because of Thompson's now-legendary public denial. Even in late 2025, years after the initial spark, fans still search for the truth behind the infamous bedroom photo and the Golden State Warriors legend's quest for a "wholesome lady."

This deep dive explores the precise timeline of the 2017 scandal, dissects Thompson's famous quote that name-checked his beloved bulldog, Rocco, and provides a fresh update on the current professional and personal lives of both Klay Thompson, now with the Dallas Mavericks, and the successful model Abigail Ratchford.

Klay Thompson & Abigail Ratchford: A Dual Profile in 2025

Before diving into the dating drama, it is essential to understand the two central figures—one a four-time NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, the other a social media mogul who built a multi-million-dollar brand.

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Klay Thompson: The NBA Sharpshooter

• Full Name: Klay Alexander Thompson
• Born: February 8, 1990 (Los Angeles, California)
• Career: Professional Basketball Player
• Team (2025): Dallas Mavericks
• Drafted: 11th overall in 2011 by the Golden State Warriors
• Career Highlights: 4x NBA Champion, 5x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Third Team, Olympic Gold Medalist (2016)
• Public Persona: Known for his laid-back, "Klay-being-Klay" personality, love for boating, and deep bond with his English bulldog, Rocco.

Abigail Ratchford: The Social Media Model

• Full Name: Abigail Ratchford
• Born: February 12, 1992 (Scranton, Pennsylvania)
• Career: Model, Businesswoman, Social Media Personality, Aspiring Actress
• Rise to Fame: Began her modeling career around 2013, quickly gaining prominence as a glamour model specializing in swimsuit and lingerie campaigns.
• Education: Attended Catholic grade school and high school, and briefly a Jesuit University before pursuing modeling full-time.
• Public Persona: Often dubbed an "Instagram bombshell," she is recognized for her highly successful social media presence and entrepreneurial ventures.

The Infamous 2017 Bedroom Photo and Klay's 'Wholesome Lady' Denial

The entire saga between Klay Thompson and Abigail Ratchford is a masterclass in modern celebrity rumor control. The connection was never a confirmed relationship; it was a brief, explosive social media moment that Thompson quickly extinguished.

The Spark: A Familiar Headboard

The rumors began in 2017 when Abigail Ratchford posted a series of suggestive photos to her social media accounts. The pictures, which showed her lounging in a bed, quickly caught the attention of sharp-eyed NBA fans.

The crucial detail was the headboard. Fans of Klay Thompson immediately recognized the distinctive pattern and style of the bed as belonging to the Golden State Warriors star's home. The photos served as circumstantial evidence, suggesting that Ratchford had recently been at Thompson’s residence, leading to widespread speculation that the two were dating.

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The Denial: 'Tryna Find a Wholesome Lady'

The speculation reached a fever pitch, forcing the usually reserved Klay Thompson to address the rumors publicly. His response, however, was not a simple "no," but a career-defining, meme-worthy quote that has been cited for years.

Thompson reportedly denied any serious romantic involvement with Ratchford, stating that he was "Tryna Find a Wholesome Lady" and, famously, that he was prioritizing his English bulldog, Rocco. The quote painted a picture of a man looking for a low-key, genuine partner who could vibe with him and his dog, subtly contrasting that vision with the high-profile, "Instagram bombshell" persona of Ratchford.

This denial became a legendary moment in NBA celebrity gossip, solidifying Thompson’s image as a player who valued simplicity and his dog over the typical high-drama celebrity dating scene. The story of Klay Thompson rejecting a model for his dog, Rocco, became an instant classic.

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Where Are They Now? Klay's Mavericks Move and Abigail's Modeling Empire

Years have passed since the 2017 incident, and both Klay Thompson and Abigail Ratchford have moved on, though their careers continue to keep them in the public eye. Thompson's personal life has seen other high-profile romances, while Ratchford has continued to expand her business empire.

Klay Thompson’s Post-Ratchford Dating History

Following the 2017 rumors, Klay Thompson was involved in several confirmed and rumored relationships, proving that while he may have been looking for a "wholesome lady," he continued to date successful women in the entertainment industry. His notable relationships include:

• Laura Harrier (2018–2020): An actress known for her role in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
• Coco Jones (2021–2023): A singer and actress, though their relationship was more rumored and private.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, reports suggest Thompson is currently single, focusing on his career transition.

The NBA Free Agency Shock: Joining the Dallas Mavericks

The biggest news for Klay Thompson in 2025 is his professional move. After 13 seasons and four championships with the Golden State Warriors, he entered free agency and signed a major deal with the Dallas Mavericks, joining Luka Dončić. This move marks a significant new chapter for the "Splash Brother," putting him on a new team for the first time in his career and bringing a fresh focus to his on-court performance rather than his dating life.

Abigail Ratchford’s Continued Success

Abigail Ratchford has continued to thrive in the modeling and social media space. She remains an incredibly popular figure online, using her platform to promote her various ventures. Her success as a businesswoman and glamour model has only grown, with her brand encompassing calendars, merchandise, and various media appearances.

While the Klay Thompson rumor was a brief blip, Ratchford has successfully navigated the high-stakes world of celebrity and social media, establishing herself as a powerful entity in the digital modeling sphere. Her focus remains on her entrepreneurial efforts and potential acting roles, keeping her professional life separate from the old NBA dating rumors.

The Legacy of the Rumor and the Wholesome Lady

The Klay Thompson and Abigail Ratchford story is a classic example of a celebrity rumor that took on a life of its own, not because of confirmation, but because of a memorable denial. The "wholesome lady" quote and the inclusion of Rocco the bulldog created a narrative that transcended the initial gossip, becoming a beloved piece of NBA fan lore.

For fans, the incident perfectly encapsulated Klay Thompson's unique, down-to-earth persona. The rumor, though unfounded, continues to serve as a fascinating footnote in the dating history of one of the NBA's most celebrated stars, proving that sometimes, a man's best friend is the ultimate filter for his dating life.