New Orleans Pelicans react to Zion Williamson rape accusations

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The New Orleans Pelicans are standing by forward Zion Williamson despite serious rape allegations leveled against him by a former girlfriend, as the NBA team maintained that the ongoing legal proceedings will not alter its long-term vision for the player.

The lawsuit, filed last week in a civil court, alleges that Williamson raped the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, on multiple occasions beginning in 2020 by using physical violence to restrain her by pinning her “down on the bed with her hands behind her back”.

Zion Williamson humiliates Dillon Brooks on the court and mic during the game

The filing further claims that on October 10, 2020, during a conversation about her visiting a friend, Zion “picked her up, threw her down to the ground, and pinned her shoulders down so she could not move,” before committing additional acts of violence and rape.

The plaintiff also alleges that Williamson verbally abused her, calling her “stuck up” and a “bitch.” Williamson denies the claims. She is seeking damages ranging from $18 million to $50 million, as reported by ESPN.

Pelicans back Williamson

However, despite the claims, the player will continue to enjoy the backing of his basketball team who have signaled their intent to move forward with the 24-year-old as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Joe Dumars, the Pelicans‘ new executive vice president of basketball operations, emphasized the organization’s support for the overall first round pick from the 2019 NBA Draft, who has spent his entire career with the team.

“I’ve had really good conversations with Zion,” Dumars said to The Times-Picayune. “We’ve had lunch. Dinner. Watched playoff games together. We’ve done it all.

“I’ve had some real, honest conversations with him. Some real direct and honest conversations. We’re going to go forward with Zion. He’s going to continue to be a focal point here as we go forward.”

While he refrained from discussing the legal matter directly, citing advice to avoid commenting on Williamson‘s legal issues, his remarks underscored the team’s long-term vision for him.

Pelicans owner Gayle Benson also addressed the situation briefly, noting the complexity of lawsuits.

“You know, lawsuits are lawsuits,” Benson told The Times-Picayune. “You really can’t … You don’t know.

“I mean people can sue you for anything. There’s no reason you can be innocent or not. It’s just something that people do, unfortunately.”

The Pelicans‘ commitment to Williamson was further demonstrated by their decision to include him in their NBA Draft Lottery representation in May, prior to the lawsuit’s public disclosure after securing the seventh overall pick for the 2025 NBA Draft.

The franchise’s aspirations for a playoff return hinge on Williamson‘s health and performance, both of which have been inconsistent. Now this legal situation adds another thing for the team to contend with in their quest for a first championship in franchise history.

This news was originally published on this post .

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