NBA Clears Kings Head Coach Luke Walton in Sexual Assault Investigation
By Michael Luciano
The Sacramento Kings can breathe a sigh of relief, as their controversial head coach no longer has an official sexual assault investigation looming over his head.
An NBA investigation revealed that there was not enough sufficient evidence to support the allegations made against Luke Walton, allowing Sacramento's new hire to prepare for the season unabated.
The NBA and Sacramento Kings have closed investigation of head coach Luke Walton regarding improper behavior, determining that there was not sufficient basis to support the allegations made against Walton.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 23, 2019
Sacramento fired coach Dave Joerger following a successful 2018-19 and replaced him with Walton, shortly after he himself was fired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
A woman identified as Kelli Tennant accused Walton of sexual assault, verbal and physical harassment, as well as unwanted physical contact over a three-year period.
Due to Tennant's unwillingness to cooperate with the investigation, the amount of available evidence that league had to persecute Walton was slim.
Kings announce conclusion of their joint investigation with the NBA into the Luke Walton sexual assault allegations from Kelli Tennant. Conclusion: “Not a sufficient basis to support the allegations made against Coach Walton.” pic.twitter.com/p6mJc6OEFG
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) August 23, 2019
Walton himself released the following statement, reaffirming his desire to focus on the upcoming season.
Statement from Luke Walton on the conclusion of the investigation:
— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) August 23, 2019
“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.”
While this whole situation was a bad look for the Kings, the Lakers, the league, and Walton himself, it looks like it's firmly in the past and Walton can focus on leading De'Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley, and Buddy Hield to the playoffs.