NBA, Kings Launch Investigation Into Sex Assault Allegations Against Ex-Lakers Coach Luke Walton
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA/AP) - An investigation is underway into allegations of sexual assault against former Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton, NBA officials announced Thursday.
The Sacramento Kings and the National Basketball Association have commenced a joint investigation into the allegations contained in a civil lawsuit filed against Walton Monday by former sports reporter Kelli Tennant.
A statement released jointly by the Kings and the NBA said both "take these allegations very seriously and will collaborate to conduct a complete and thorough investigation." Both the league and the team have hired independent investigators, the statement said.
At a news conference Tuesday in Los Angeles, Tennant said Walton forced himself on her in a Santa Monica hotel room in 2014.
The alleged incident took place several years ago, before Walton coached the Lakers or Kings.
Tennant did not file a police report against Walton.
His attorney, Mark Baute, says the allegations are "baseless" and he calls Tennant "an opportunist, not a victim."
The Lakers fired Walton earlier this month and he was hired by the Kings.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)