A lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, and obtained by ESPN, accuses New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson, a former top overall draft pick, of rape and emotional abuse. The female plaintiff, identified as `Jane Doe` in court documents, claims the alleged abuse involved a `continued pattern of abusive, controlling and threatening behavior` throughout a five-year relationship that started when Williamson was playing at Duke.
The New Orleans Pelicans organization has not yet issued a statement regarding the lawsuit concerning their prominent player. The 12-page legal document reportedly outlines allegations of abuse that occurred in various states.
In a statement, Williamson`s legal team from Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, L.L.C. `unequivocally denied` the claims, stating, `We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness.` They described the accusations as `categorically false and reckless,` suggesting the lawsuit is `an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.` Despite calling the allegations false, the attorneys acknowledged their seriousness and expressed confidence that `the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson` in court.
This season, Williamson averaged 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game before his season was shortened by a back injury. Earlier in the season, he received a one-game suspension from the Pelicans for `failing to meet team standards.`
Reports indicated Williamson missed a team flight and was late for several practices, leading to the suspension. David Griffin, the Pelicans` executive vice president of basketball operations, commented at the time, stating the suspension was due to `failing to meet our team standards.` Griffin added that Williamson `has taken accountability for his actions` and expressed confidence in his continued positive development.
Williamson began the season on the injured list dealing with a hamstring issue and has consistently faced challenges with his conditioning throughout his career.
Regarding the suspension, Williamson publicly accepted blame, saying, `I take full responsibility for this suspension.` He acknowledged there was `no excuse` for being late to team activities and stated he had apologized to the team owner, teammates, coaches, and fans, vowing to `be better as a teammate and member of this organization.`
Jasper Hawthorne