FILE – In this Oct. 20, 2018, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton directs his team during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles. A person with direct knowledge of the agreement said Saturday, April 13, 2019, that Walton will become coach of the Sacramento Kings, just a day after parting ways with the Lakers following three losing seasons. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
SACRAMENTO, California— A female sports reporter has accused new Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton of sexual assault in a lawsuit.
TMZ reported Monday night, 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 Lakers say they were never told of the allegations when Walton was their coach and have no additional comment because he now works for another team.
The Kings say they are aware of the report and gathering additional information. The team had no other comment.