Psychologist accuses NBA team of cover-up in lawsuit after axed player allegedly exposed himself
A former efficiency psychologist with the Spurs has filed a lawsuit towards the group and its former guard Josh Primo, who additionally would be the topic of a prison criticism for a number of counts of indecent publicity.
Dr. Hillary Cauthen got here ahead Thursday in a news convention in Houston, the place she alleged Primo uncovered himself to her on a number of events.
Attorney Tony Buzbee introduced the swimsuit, filed in Bexar County, Texas, and the anticipated prison criticism six days after the Spurs lower Primo and about 10 months after the primary incident, in keeping with Cauthen.
Watch a median of 9 LIVE NBA Regular Season video games per week on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
According to Cauthen, Primo first uncovered his penis to her in late Dec. 2021. Buzbee stated she knowledgeable Spurs normal supervisor Brian Wright of the incident in Jan. 2022.
“Instead of something being done about it, what instead happened was they continued to call upon her to have sessions with Mr. Primo and of course the other athletes,” stated Buzbee, who added that Cauthen didn’t need to lose her job and initially hoped it was a “one-time thing.”
“But unfortunately the conduct continued to occur and in fact escalate,” Buzbee stated.
In an announcement to The Athletic, Primo’s lawyer, William J. Briggs II, referred to as the accusations “either a complete fabrication, a gross embellishment or utter fantasy.” Briggs stated Primo by no means “intentionally exposed himself to her or anyone else and not even aware that his private parts were visible outside of his workout shorts.”
“Josh Primo is a 19-year-old NBA player who has suffered a lifetime of trauma and challenges,” Briggs stated. “He is now being victimised by his former team appointed sports psychologist, who is playing to ugly stereotypes and racially charged fears for her own financial benefit.”
According to Cauthen, as an alternative of disciplining Primo — a lottery decide in 2021 — she felt punished, because the group instructed her on completely different events to both work at home or avoid the amenities.
At one level, Buzbee stated, the Spurs “told her they wanted to do what they called a facilitated discussion with Dr. Cauthen and Joshua Primo to figure out what it was that was compelling him to expose himself to her.”
According to Buzbee — who additionally represented most of the accusers of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson — the Spurs instructed Cauthen to remain residence throughout the group’s summer time league in Las Vegas.
During the summer time league, “Primo, it’s been reported, did it again” to a different girl, Buzbee stated.
Cauthen says her contract was not renewed. The Spurs lower Primo, who cleared waivers and now could be a free agent, on Friday.
“The organisation I worked for has failed me,” stated Cauthen, who says she was instructed head coach Gregg Popovich knew concerning the allegations, however she was unsure that was true. “It took the Spurs 10 months to do the right thing. That’s too long.”
