Jesse James Checks Into Rehab

Some say her career wouldn't recover, others say she wins either way.

ByABC News
March 30, 2010, 5:19 PM

March 31, 2010— -- Two weeks after Jesse James' infidelity scandal broke, the husband of Sandra Bullock is headed into rehab, his rep says.

"Jesse checked himself into a treatment facility to deal with personal issues," the rep said in a statement to People.com. "He realized that this time was crucial to help himself, help his family and help save his marriage." There was no word on what type of rehab the owner of West Coast Choppers in Long Beach, Calif, has entered.

With four women claiming affairs with James, the husband of Oscar winner Bullock, many people, especially women, are wondering why Bullock hasn't filed for divorce already.

Last week, her rep called reports that Bullock was interviewing divorce lawyers "completely false." She did not respond immediately to a request for comment for this story.

Is Bullock proceeding cautiously or considering reuniting with James? As far-fetched as reconciliation may seem, especially as more details leak of James' alleged affairs, it's not out of the question. Just look at Elin and Tiger Woods, who seem to be trying to figure out what's next.

Bullock is also extremely close with James' three children from his two previous marriages. The Oscar-winning actress even curtailed her career to help raise youngest stepdaughter Sunny. But Bullock has no legal claim to the children.

"There are no plans, nor have there ever been any plans, for Sandra Bullock to adopt any of Jesse James's children," her rep told People Monday.

Friends of both Bullock and James told People that the children's welfare is a priority as they deal with their marital crisis. James also appears to be hoping for reconciliation for the children's sake.

"He would certainly love for this somehow to go away and that somehow things can be rectified and put back together," his friend told the magazine. "The one thing that's most important to him in the whole wide world is that his family comes back together. He will do whatever that takes."

Then there's the matter of Bullock's career, should she decide to go back to James. At the top of her game after winning the Oscar for best actress and becoming the first woman to helm a film – "The Blind Side" – that earned over $200 million, Bullock commands much love and respect within the film industry. She has also maintained a strong female audience.

Will the audience abandon her if she chooses to save her marriage?

E! gossip columnist Ted Casablanca thinks so. "I don't think she can come back from that," he said. "You're not going to go see 'Miss Congeniality 3' if she's still married to that guy."

If she leaves James, though, "the sky's the limit," Casablanca said. "She'll be poised for any kind of new Sandy she wants to create."

Casablanca said what Bullock's audience really wants to see is how she reinvents herself. "It's the traditional story driving Hollywood audiences, particularly women, for many years: wronged woman makes good. It will be a huge vicarious thrill," he said.