Arizona Police Arrest Steve Nash After He is Unable to Present Proper Alien Registration Documents
Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash felt the squeeze of Arizona’s new Immigration Bill (SB 1070) today when he was arrested in Phoenix today after being unable to provide proper Alien Registration Documents to police during a routine traffic stop.
Nash was on his way to a morning shoot around at the Suns’ practice facility when he was pulled over for having non-functioning taillight. According to officer Brian Nelson, “I pulled Mr. Nash over because his taillight wasn’t working. After conversing briefly with him, I noticed his distinctly Canadian pronunciation of “about”, and knew that under the new Immigration Bill, it was my duty to make sure he wasn’t in this country illegally.”
According to the report filed by Nelson, Nash’s only form of ID was a SkyBox basketball card with his picture on it, and since Arizona Senate Bill 1070 requires immigrants to have either a valid Arizona license, non-operating identification license, tribal enrollment card, or a valid government issued ID, Nash was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, who signed the controversial bill into law on April 23, applauded Officer Nelson for his courage and told reporters, “It’s a sign that the law is working and we’re getting illegals off the streets, though, quite honestly, we were hoping to catch Mexicans, not Canadians… and especially not Canadians in Mr. Nash’s tax bracket.”
The unexpected arrest could also a huge blow to the Phoenix Suns if Nash is unable to make bail in time for tomorrow’s playoff game against the Portland Trailblazers. Nash had been averaging 16 points and 10 assists in the series, which the Suns are currently leading 3 games to 2.
Suns head coach Alvin Gentry was quoted as saying, “We’re not sure if Steve will be available for tomorrow’s game, so we’re preparing as if we won’t have him. It’ll be alright, Goran (Dragic) is ready to step up and play some key minutes.” Gentry also added, “If we’re unable to get it done tomorrow, we’re confident we’ll have Steve back for game 7”
