Former Los Angeles Dodger great, Steve Garvey, is widely known for his impressive baseball career, but behind the scenes, his personal life has been plagued by financial chaos. While Garvey presents himself as a principled and accomplished businessman, court records reveal a different story of unpaid bills and creditors left wondering if they would ever receive payment.
A Legacy in Los Angeles
Garvey’s legacy as a Dodger continues to endure, with the team keeping him on the payroll for public appearances and even honoring him with a bobble-head doll giveaway. During his playing days, Garvey was a 10-time All-Star, won four Gold Glove awards, and was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1974. However, his off-field troubles have overshadowed his on-field achievements.
Financial Turmoil
Garvey’s financial troubles date back at least a decade, according to court records in California and Utah. In 1996, he declared a “financial disaster” after owing nearly $1 million in back taxes, penalties, and interest to the Internal Revenue Service. Despite appearances of wealth, including living in a $5-million mansion and driving luxury cars, Garvey has repeatedly claimed to be deeply in debt.
Dodging Payments
Numerous businesses and individuals have experienced difficulties in receiving payment from the Garveys. From delinquent hotel bills to unpaid nanny services, the couple’s financial disarray is evident. Their chronic failure to settle bills, ranging from phone and electric bills to checks bouncing at the local supermarket, has left many feeling frustrated. Even the Garveys’ pediatrician resorted to a “cash-only” policy for future medical services due to outstanding payments.
The Paternity Suit
A major factor contributing to Garvey’s financial troubles is a paternity suit filed by his former fiancée, Rebecka Mendenhall. Although a judge ruled in 1993 that Garvey was the father of Mendenhall’s child and ordered him to pay child support, years of legal battles ensued. Mendenhall’s lawyers suspected Garvey was attempting to hide income through his current wife, Candace, leading to further complications and increased debts.
FAQs
Q: Was Steve Garvey ever able to resolve his financial troubles?
A: While Garvey has acknowledged his chronic financial problems, specific information regarding the resolution of his debts has not been publicly addressed.
Q: How did Garvey’s financial troubles affect his reputation?
A: Garvey believed that any time behind bars due to unpaid child support would irreparably damage his reputation, which he relied on to earn a living.
Conclusion
Steve Garvey’s financial troubles highlight the challenges faced by former athletes after retirement. Despite his image as a principled businessman and motivational speaker, court records indicate a pattern of unpaid bills and financial mismanagement. Garvey’s story serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder that public personas can often be deceiving. As with any public figure, it is important to recognize that personal lives may not always align with the carefully crafted image presented to the world.
