Kings Head Coach Luke Walton Sued for Sexual Assault
Apr 23, 2019, 6:24 AM | Updated: 6:26 am
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Just over a week since being hired as the new head coach of the Sacramento Kings, former Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton is being sued for allegedly sexually assaulting female sports reporter Kelli Tennant. The incident, according to Tennant, took place in Walton’s hotel room back when he was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors.
According to the lawsuit documents, Walton invited Tennant up to his hotel room after agreeing to write the foreword in her book. The two allegedly had a professional, working relationship. When they arrived at his hotel room, Walton reportedly “pinned her to the bed, placing his hips and legs over her body” amongst other things.
The Sacramento Kings quickly issued a statement after the story came to light:
“We are aware of the report and are gathering additional information. We have no further comment at this time.”
Both the Warriors and the Lakers issued statements after, claiming they had no idea about the incident while Walton was employed.
Warriors: “We became aware of the alleged incident and story this evening and are in the process of seeking more information. We’ll have no further comment at this time.”
Lakers: “This alleged incident took place before Luke Walton was the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. At no time before or during his employment here was this allegation reported to the Lakers. If it had been, we would have immediately commenced an investigation and notified the NBA. Since Luke Walton is now under contract to another team, we will have no further comment.”
Late Monday evening, Walton’s attorney Mark Baute issued the following statement:
“Luke Walton retained me to defend him against these baseless allegations. The accuser is an opportunist, not a victim, & her claim is not credible. We intend to prove this in a courtroom.”
More information to follow as the story unfolds…
