“I cannot provide Paul III a life anywhere similar to that of his father” P.J. Washington’s ex threatened to serve him court papers during a live NBA game

The Intense Off Court Battle for Mavericks’ P.J. Washington

“I cannot provide Paul III a life anywhere similar to that of his father,” Brittany Renner stated in a court filing. This stark declaration, highlighting the vast financial gulf between her and NBA player P.J. Washington, lies at the heart of a bitter and highly publicized child support battle that has threatened to spill onto the basketball court itself.

For Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, the pressure of a disappointing season is compounded by a deeply personal legal fight. He is locked in a contentious courtroom battle with his ex-girlfriend, Brittany Renner, over child support for their young son, Paul III.

A Struggle for Support: The Core of the Conflict

The dispute centers on Brittany Renner’s request for a significant increase in monthly child support payments. Despite Washington paying the court-ordered $5,500 per month and a lump sum of $130,000 for past arrears, Renner argues it’s insufficient.

The Disparity Argument: In court documents, Renner’s plea hinges on the immense disparity in their financial situations. Washington earns an estimated $22 million per season from his contract with the Mavericks.

She contends the current payments represent a minuscule fraction of his income—around 0.30% of his monthly earnings. Renner claims this prevents her from providing their son with a lifestyle remotely comparable to what Washington can offer.

An Unprecedented Legal Threat

The conflict took a dramatic and unprecedented turn late last year. After Washington’s legal team did not sign a proposed stipulation by a November 18th deadline, Renner’s lawyer issued a stark warning.

They threatened to have Washington personally served with new legal papers during a high-profile Mavericks road game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 28th.

The Broader Context: Wealth, Parenthood, and Public Scrutiny

The Washington-Renner case reflects recurring themes in high-profile child support disputes involving professional athletes.

Public vs. Private Life: For athletes like Washington, personal challenges are played out under intense public scrutiny. The threat of being served on live television was not just a legal maneuver .

The Current Status and Lasting Impact

As of February 2026, the case remains unresolved, awaiting a final ruling from the court. The Mavericks, focused on a difficult season, have had to navigate a situation where a key player is dealing with significant off-court distractions.

For P.J. Washington, the battle is a reminder that success on the court does not shield one from complex personal challenges. For Brittany Renner, it is a fight to secure what she believes is a fair standard of care for her son.

Their ongoing dispute serves as a public case study in the difficult intersection of vast wealth, parental responsibility, and the relentless glare of the spotlight.