Fox Sports has suspended analyst and former NBA great Gary Payton indefinitely after allegations that he assaulted a Seattle women in January. Payton will be suspended until the completion of an investigation according to Fox Sports.
From Fox Sports:
“Regardless of the circumstance, domestic violence is abhorrent and inexcusable and FOX takes these accusations very seriously. As soon as we were made aware of the claim, we began an internal investigation. Mr. Payton was suspended immediately pending the completion of the investigation. Out of respect for both parties we will not be making any additional statements.”
According to the woman, Payton invited her as his date to an awards function in Seattle back in January, but after the ceremony things got violent. She claims Payton assaulted her three different times, first at a local bar, a second time when they got into a car together, and a third time back at a hotel.
“The whole thing is nothing more than a shakedown in an effort to get Gary to cut a fat check,” Payton’s lawyer Aaron Goodwin said. “Unfortunately, with the climate of claims against athletes for monetary gains, Mr. Payton is just another victim and will fight this frivolous lawsuit.”
