Steve Nash Custody Battle, Ex Wife Drama Marred End Of Playing Career

Steve Nash battled his ex-wife and injuries as his career wound to a close, making for a difficult final chapter of an otherwise excellent career.

Nash has not officially announced his retirement, but after a nagging injury forced Nash to already announce that he will be unable to play this season, many believe his career has come to a close. Nash had originally planned to retire before this year, but came back with the idea that the 2014-15 season would be his last.

Instead, Nash is looking at the close of a career marked by injury, frustration, and off-the-court drama.

Steve Nash came to the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2012 in a sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix. The Lakers appeared primed for a championship run with Kobe Bryant at the helm and big man Dwight Howard joining the team, but things fell apart quickly. Nash was hurt in just his second game, and despite expecting to miss only a week, he remained out of the lineup for close to two months.

The injury problems continued for Nash, who would miss 32 games in his first year with the Lakers, and saw his second season end in March due to nerve problems in his leg. Nash had hoped to return healthy this season, but a nagging back injury forced him to cut his season short.

“Being on the court this season has been my top priority, and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now,” Nash said. “I work very hard to stay healthy, and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest and will focus on my long-term health.”

The Lakers poor play added to the frustration for Steve Nash. The acquisition of Dwight Howard failed to set the Lakers apart, and last season they finished 27–55, the sixth-worst record in the league.

The point guard also battled off-the-court issues during his time with the Lakers. For months, Steve Nash and his ex-wife, Alejandra Amarilla Menrath, were locked in a bitter and very public divorce and custody battle, with Nash saying he didn’t want his kid raised in Los Angeles, claiming that Menrath was moving to California in a bid to get more child support. Menrath even called in the law firm of NFL referee Ed Hochuli for the court battle.

In the end, Steve Nash and his ex-wife came to a settlement, the terms of which were not discussed. Nash hasn’t said if he plans to live in Los Angeles or if he will move his kids back to Arizona, where he wanted them to stay in the first place.