A strong marriage can significantly enhance our lives. On the flip side, a troubled one can be a heavyweight, especially when it ends in divorce. Steve Nash faced this reality in 2010 under unusual circumstances.
Just one day after celebrating the birth of his son with then-wife Alejandra Amarilla, the former NBA star filed for divorce, certainly not the ideal timing.
"I am very thankful and excited that we have a new son, Matteo Nash. Alejandra and the baby are doing fine. But this is a bittersweet moment for my wife and I; after five years, we are now in the process of dissolving our marriage," wrote Nash in a statement, per the National Post.
Nash-Amarilla relationship
The couple had reportedly met in 2001. At that time, Nash, who was selected in the 1996 NBA draft, was establishing himself in the league, averaging 15.6 points and 7.3 assists per game with the Dallas Mavericks. On the other hand, Alejandra had recently completed her studies in South America, specializing in marketing and advertising.
Both had experienced their fair share of moves during their upbringing. Steve was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, raised in Victoria, Canada, and later moved to Santa Clara to play college basketball in 1992.
Alejandra, originally from Paraguay and now a filmmaker, also traveled widely as a child because of her father's work with the UN, which took their family to various countries around the world.
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Divorce and custody battle
After tying the knot in 2005, the couple welcomed twin daughters, Lola and Bella. The family spent the offseasons in New York City and lived in Phoenix, Arizona, during the NBA season, where the head of the family played for the Suns. However, a few years later, their living situation changed. As the two-time MVP revealed in his statements, he and his wife "have lived separately for the past several months."
Typically, when such issues in a relationship arise, parents often see the birth of a child as a chance to mend things. This is especially true when considering the well-being of the children, whom such a situation can hit very hard. Therefore, many assumed that the Nashes would follow this path when their son Matteo was born on November 12, 2010. However, Steve chose a different route and, for reasons not fully explained, filed for divorce just hours after the birth.
"We remain firmly committed to raising our children in the most positive, nurturing way possible. I want only good things for Ale going forward; right now, I'm focused on ensuring that our children understand how much they're loved and adored by us as they continue to adjust to these changes," the then 36-year-old remarked.
Ultimately, a child custody case followed, which was resolved on September 25, 2013, in the Maricopa County Superior Court.
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