New Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton is being sued for an alleged sexual assault by Los Angeles-based sports reporter Kelli Tennant, according to multiple media reports on Monday.
TMZ Sports initially broke the story regarding the lawsuit, which was sparked by an alleged incident that occurred before Walton became the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in April 2016. The exact date in question was unclear.
ESPN, citing anonymous sources, reported that the NBA opened an investigation into the matter.
The Kings issued a statement that read, “We are aware of the report and are gathering additional information. We have no further comment at this time.”
The Lakers also issued a statement that read, “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.”
The report includes a summary of legal documents acquired by TMZ Sports that say Tennant, who says she knew Walter for “several years,” met Walton at his Santa Monica hotel in May 2017 to discuss him writing a forward for a book she had been working on.
She alleges that he convinced her to come up to his hotel room, where he groped her and forced himself on her before eventually relenting.
Following the hotel-room incident, Tennant claims that Walton continued to verbally and physically harass her, according to a report from theblast.com. She is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.
Walton parted ways with the Lakers on April 12 after a 37-45 season. He compiled a 98-148 record over three seasons, with no playoff appearances. He was quickly hired by the Kings.
