New Kings coach Luke Walton sued for sexual assault
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Los Angeles Lakers then-head coach Luke Walton looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans on March 31. A sports reporter has filed a civil suit against Walton alleging sexual assault, it was reported today, one week after the Sacramento Kings hired Walton as their coach.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. >> A female sports reporter has accused new Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton of sexual assault in a lawsuit.
TMZ reported the news today, citing legal documents that Kelli Tennant is suing Walton. TMZ reports that Tennant claims she went to Walton’s hotel room to discuss a book she was writing when Walton pinned her to the bed, forcibly kissed her and groped her. The alleged incident happened before Walton became coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and while Tennant worked for Sportsnet LA.
No date was given for the alleged assault.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Tennant’s lawyer declined to say whether she reported the alleged assault to police.
Walton was let go by the Lakers earlier this month and hired by the Kings.
The Kings say they are aware of the report and gathering additional information. The team had no other comment.
