Byron Scott, former Lakers player and coach, faces allegations of sexually assaulting a teenager in 1987, as per a recent lawsuit.
Rewritten Article
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - The ex-LA Lakers player and coach Byron Scott is under fire for a damning lawsuit filed earlier in May, claiming he sexually assaulted a minor in 1987 during a team event at her high school.
This shocking allegation, initially reported anonymously in December 2022, has been amplified due to the recent naming of Scott. Now, the defamed Laker standout faces some serious charges, with the lawsuit accusing him of sexual battery, false imprisonment, and more [1][2].
Remember those thrilling LA Laker days? Well, it turns out Scott was working with the team when he's accused of having a horrifying incident in the gymnasium of Campbell Hall High School. The Lakers were filming an instructional basketball video at the school and meeting with students, faculty, and parents - with the alleged attack happening in a locked janitor's closet [2].
Although the truth behind the allegations may still be unclear, the lawsuit states that the 15-year-old girl, who was attending summer classes, was sexually assaulted by the 26-year-old Scott [2].
The timeline of events? Scott was in his fourth season with the legendary Showtime-era Lakers, having already secured two NBA championships under his belt [3].
The case was filed under California's Child Victim's Act, which allowed older cases related to underage plaintiffs to be revisited [3]. A judge even obliged, disclosing the name of the accused after certain legal thresholds were met [2].
Attorney Linda Bauermeister released a heart-wrenching statement on behalf of their client: "Our client is devastated by this complaint, a basketball event that took place in 1987. Our client believed the plaintiff to be over 18 and had no idea she would claim otherwise until 35 years later. He respects girls and women, and the claims have blindsided him and his family." [2]
Despite his prestigious career in basketball - including a decade with the LA Lakers, winning championships in 1985, 1987, and 1988, leading the team in scoring for 1987-88, and coaching in the NBA from 1998 to 2016 [3] - Scott's reputation seems to be at stake now. He's currently coaching in the Philippines, married to Cece Gutierrez, and previously appeared on the "Basketball Wives" reality show [4].
So, what's next? The lawsuit demands a jury trial and compensation of over $25,000 for damages – including loss of earnings and attorney fees – to be paid by Scott and the school [4]. As the case unfolds, let's hope the truth comes to light for all parties involved.
- The Lakers' former player and coach Byron Scott, renowned for his time with the legendary Showtime-era Lakers, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit alleging sexual assault that occurred in 1987, during a team event at Campbell Hall High School.
- The lawsuit has accused Scott of sexual battery, false imprisonment, and other charges, and has been amplified due to the recent naming of the ex-basketball star.
- The alleged assault reportedly took place in a locked janitor's closet during the filming of an instructional basketball video, where the Lakers were interacting with students, faculty, and parents.
- The case, which was filed under California's Child Victim's Act, details the accuser as a 15-year-old girl who was attending summer classes at the school.
- Attorney Linda Bauermeister, representing Scott, has issued a statement expressing the defendant's shock and disbelief, stating that he had no idea the alleged victim was underage until 35 years later, and that he respects women and girls.
