On Friday, the NBA and the Sacramento Kings announced that they have concluded the investigation on head coach Luke Walton due to insufficient evidence to support the allegations of improper conduct made by former SportsNet LA reporter Kelli Tennant.
Kings and NBA Announce Conclusion of Investigation » https://t.co/Qd7zvTR4Bf pic.twitter.com/bd19VEwzY1
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) August 23, 2019
The incident of misconduct happened back in 2014 when Walton was an assistant head coach with the Golden State Warriors. The investigation started in April when a lawsuit against him was filed and the claims were made public in a press conference.
On April 22, 2019, Ms. Tennant filed a civil lawsuit against Coach Walton and, on April 23, held a press conference in which she described claims of sexual assault, verbal and physical harassment, and unwanted physical contact over a three-year period.
The investigation was led by Sue Ann Van Dermydan, from the Sacramento law firm Van Dermyden Maddux, and Elizabeth Maringer, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of the NBA. They interviewed several people, included Walton, and reviewed documents and material of importance to the process.
The investigators try to contact Ms. Tennant but she didn’t want to collaborate. The NBA announced the investigation is closed unless new evidence becomes available.
Walton released a statement after the conclusion on the investigation on him and the results were announced saying that he is focused on the upcoming season and coaching the team.
“I am 100% focused on coaching the Sacramento Kings, and energized to work with this incredible group of players and coaches as we start the preseason. I will have no further comment.”
