Derek Fisher Files For Divorce From Wife Of 10 Years

Derek Fisher, the head coach of the New York Knicks, has reportedly filed for divorce from wife of 10 years, Candace.

According to TMZ, the former NBA player filed the necessary legal documents in Los Angeles one month after his marriage to Candace reached its 10th anniversary.

Derek issued an official statement in reference to the news of his divorce.

“This is a difficult time for me personally. For the sake of our children, I ask that everyone respects our privacy during this process.”

Derek and Candace got married on February 19, 2005. Each of them had a child from a previous relationship, but the married couple also gave birth to a set of twins, Tatum and Drew.

At the age of 10 months, Tatum was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer known as retinoblastoma. Derek Fisher opened up about his daughter’s condition and the emotional and mental toll that it took on him in a past interview with the 700 Club.

“When you talk about pain or hurt, it was just one of the hardest punches in the gut that I’ve ever received. I had no idea, whether or not she would be okay, whether or not we could find a cure for the cancer, or whether or not she would have to have her eye removed.”

Derek confirmed during the same interview that Tatum was cured and cancer-free, thanks to prayers and medical treatment.

Even with his busy life and packed schedule as a past NBA player and current head coach, Derek Fisher also expressed the strong desire that he and his now-estranged wife felt when it came to being there for their children.

“My parents didn’t have the opportunities that my wife and I have now, from a quality of life standpoint. But one thing that we did not ever lack was their presence. They were there helping us with homework and making sure that we were doing the things that we needed to do and giving us curfews. That [is the] kind of love, discipline and structure that I try to bring into my home now as a husband and as a father.”

According to TMZ, the estranged couple seems to be handling the divorce proceedings amicably at this time. Derek Fisher wants to split the legal costs associated with the divorce with his wife. The couple also wants to share the physical and legal custody of their children.

[Image Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images]