NEED TO KNOW
- NBA champion Paul Pierce says he is “drowning financially” in new court documents obtained by PEOPLE
- Pierce was ordered to pay $100,000 in attorney’s fees in addition to child support to his ex-girlfriend, Princess Santiago
- After losing his job at Fox Sports, Pierce is “tapped out” financially, his attorney said
NBA champion Paul Pierce claims he is “drowning financially” as he and his ex-girlfriend Princess Santiago battle for custody.
According to documents obtained and reviewed by PEOPLE, a lawyer representing Pierce, 49, said the former Celtics star is “tapped out” and not receiving income since losing his job at Fox Sports last year.
Santiago and Pierce share one child: son King Rafael, born in February 2026. During an Aug. 11 court appearance, Pierce was ordered to pay $100,000 in attorney’s fees, on a payment plan, and an additional $10,000 for a forensic accountant, according to the documents.
Credit: Juan Ocampo/Getty
His attorney said the fees “no longer reflect [Pierce’s] actual income” and claimed he’s “unable to keep up with his obligation to pay his own counsel and forensic accountant, let alone pay additional funds to the other side in attorney’s fees and forensic accounting fees.”
Prior to losing his gig at Fox Sports, Pierce was bringing in $119,000 monthly, according to the filing, and received the final payment from the network in August. “Having lost his Fox Sports contract, while simultaneously facing these substantial financial obligations, Respondent is drowning financially,” the filing said.
Credit: John Salangsang/Getty
Pierce claims child support costs him roughly $28,000 a month, as well as approximately $20,000 in spousal support, per the documents.
A rep for Pierce didn’t immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
According to Spotrac, Pierce earned approximately $195 million over his 19 seasons in the NBA. In addition to King, Pierce shares three kids with his ex-wife Julie Landrum: daughter Prianna and sons Prince and Adrian.
In March, Santiago filed to establish a parental relationship and requested genetic testing from Pierce to establish that he is the baby’s father. She also requested sole legal and physical custody of King with visitation for Pierce, as well as $29,811 per month in child support.
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She asked that Pierce obtain and pay for health insurance for King and one-half of all her pregnancy, birth and post-birth medical expenses.
After Pierce confirmed he is the father, Santiago told PEOPLE in a statement: “I believe in growth, accountability and healthy co-parenting. Paul has finally made an effort to see King and I appreciate that. At this time, I am focused on maintaining stability and consistent, healthy decision-making for our son while he continues building a positive father-son relationship moving forward.”
Read the original article on People