Former Laker Scott Faces Lawsuit Over Allegations of 1987 Sexual Assault

A woman is taking legal action against Byron Scott, a former player and coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. She claims he sexually assaulted her during a Lakers event at her high school in 1987. At the time, he was 26, and she was only 15.

The lawsuit, initially filed in December 2022 and updated in May 2023, accuses Scott of sexual battery and false imprisonment. Although Scott sought to keep his name out of the court records, a judge ruled that he could be publicly named.

According to the lawsuit, during a Lakers visit to Campbell Hall High School while the plaintiff was attending summer classes, Scott allegedly assaulted her in a locked janitor’s closet in the school’s gym.

This case emerged under a California law allowing older sexual assault cases by underage plaintiffs to be filed. The law initially kept the defendant’s identity confidential until certain conditions were met.

Scott’s attorney, Linda Bauermeister, stated that while her client acknowledges some form of contact, he believed the girl was over 18 at the time. She said, “Our client is devastated by this complaint… He respects women and is blindsided by these allegations.” At the time of the incident, Scott was married with three children; he divorced his first wife in 2014.

The alleged assault occurred when the Lakers were filming an instructional basketball video and interacting with students and faculty. The lawsuit also accuses Campbell Hall High of negligence for not protecting the girl and seeks over $25,000 in damages, including lost earnings and legal fees.

Scott, who won three NBA championships during the Lakers’ “Showtime” era, is now coaching in the Philippines. He previously led the Lakers during his coaching career and is known for his contribution to the sport.

This case highlights serious issues surrounding consent and accountability in sports. According to a 2020 study by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, nearly one in five women report experiencing sexual assault during their lifetime. Cases like this bring attention to the complexities of dealing with allegations from decades past and the need for transparency and support for victims.

The public’s reaction has been mixed, with many calling for more awareness about sexual misconduct in sports. Social media discussions often center on how institutions handle such claims and the challenges victims face in speaking out.

As this case unfolds, it raises important questions about accountability and the historical context of such allegations in sports culture.

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