DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks have been embroiled in yet another legal controversy, with ex-GM Donnie Nelson planning to sue his former franchise in retaliation for attempting to report sexual harassment claims, according to an ESPN report.
The report also states that Nelson's lawsuit also accuses Mavs owner Mark Cuban of trying to pay Nelson $52 million to both terminate his wrongful termination lawsuit, and rescind his complaint of sexual misconduct.
Cuban responded to the accusations, denying them emphatically, and calling them an 'outright lie'.
"Everything in that filing is a lie," Cuban said in the report. "We did multiple complete investigations and the only person that did not live up to the standards of the Dallas Mavericks was Mr. Nelson. He was fired as a result. He was well aware of the investigation. He refused to fully participate. I will say it again, everything he said is a lie."
The allegations revolve around a February 2020 incident involving Mavs employee Jason Lutin, who Nelson accuses of sexually assaulting his nephew during a job interview.
Lutin also denied the accusations.
"It's a complete lie and I defer to Mavs to comment and who have already dealt with this matter," Lutin said in the report. "And obviously have a lot of information to show none of that ever happened."
Nelson released a statement on his lawsuit as well, explaining his decision to come forward.
"Filing a lawsuit is not something to be taken lightly -- however, it was extremely important that I speak up," Nelson said. "The facts that come out in this lawsuit will hopefully protect the incredible people I've had the honor and privilege of working with during my 24 years with the Mavericks."
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