It appears that two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash will be seen in a court once again. However, he won't be in front of a basketball crowd, but with lawyers, judge, and jury this time.

The 42-year-old Canadian filed a civil case against his former business partners to remove his name from 21 Fitness Club, a chain he established back in 2007 together with some businessmen. He claimed that he has not had any involvement with it for the past two years and wants his name not to be connected with the company in any way.

But according to a licensing agreement, Vancouver Clubs, Ltd. was granted permission to use not only Nash's name but also his “fame, nickname, initials, autograph, voice, signature, likeness, and image” to promote the fitness clubs.

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The defendants, SNFW Fitness BC Ltd., Sacramento Kings‘ minority owner Mark Mastrov, and businessman Leonard Schlemm released a joint statement after finding out that Nash filed a lawsuit without any previous discussions with them. Per Karin Larsen of CBC News:

“While we have nothing but respect for Mr. Nash and what he has accomplished as a Canadian athlete, we are confident with our legal position and intend to aggressively defend our rights.”

“In due course, the company will establish before the courts that it has the lawful and exclusive right, pursuant to written agreements signed by Mr. Nash personally, to use Mr. Nash's name, voice, signature, likeness and image within British Columbia in the operation of its business.”

The case seems to be far from over without the likelihood of having any settlement. Nash even included in the case an unspecified amount to be paid to him for damages he incurred by using his name at the clubs.