Coach Randy Shelton, who worked with Kawhi Leonard and other NBA players when he was at San Diego State, was hired by the Clippers in 2019, reuniting him with Leonard.
Shelton was let go by the Clippers and is now suing the organization for wrongful termination, saying he was let go because he complained the team subjected Leonard to “unsafe and illegal treatment” for his ongoing knee problems, story broken by Chris Hayneswho posted the text of the suit on X (formerly Twitter).
The key part of the trial summary:
“Shelton complained to the management of the LA Clippers that they had subjected the star athlete of the LA Clippers, Kawhi Leonard (“Leonard”), to unsafe and illegal treatment, in disregard for Leonard’s health and safety and known medical restrictions. Later, Sheldon was himself targeted and subjected to discriminatory and harassing behavior.”
The Clippers denied the allegations, saying they investigated Shelton’s claims and found them “without merit” and that this was nothing more than a blatant money grab by Shelton.
The Clippers released a statement to me disputing the claims: “Mr. Shelton’s claims were investigated and found to be without merit. We have honored Mr. Shelton’s employment contract and paid him in full. This lawsuit is a belated attempt to shake the Clippers on a footing of accusations… https://t.co/DpjsVr4mg7
– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
Shelton’s lawsuit also alleges “allegations of abuse years before signing the star,” as Haynes put it, with Shelton’s attorneys saying the former coach would be happy to talk to the NBA about it.
Randy Shelton’s attorneys say he is willing to talk to the NBA about his knowledge of how the Clippers recruited Kawhi: “While not part of the damages/relief Shelton is seeking, he will fully cooperate with the NBA should league investigators consider prosecution and sanctions against the Clippers.
– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
So far, Leonard has not commented on the lawsuit or its claims.
Leonard wants to start this season because of a sore left knee, an issue that sidelined him during last season’s playoffs and cost him a spot on the USA Basketball team at the Paris Olympics. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday before the team’s home opener that Leonard is “progressing” and sort of “checking the boxes” toward a return to play, but had no timetable. Reports indicate he could be out for weeks to open the season.
