The Phoenix Suns decided to fire head coach Igor Kokoskov after only one year in charge, Sacramento Kings’ new coach Luke Walton is accused of sexual assault, while the NBA fined the Brooklyn Nets minority owner for his comments.
Suns fire Igor Kokoskov after one season | NBA.com
Igor Kokoskov, the first European-born NBA head coach, is no longer Phoenix Suns’ coach, the team announced.
“After extensive evaluation, I determined it is best to move in a different direction with our head coaching position,” Suns general manager James Jones said in a news release. “I want to thank Igor for his work this past season and wish him the best with his future endeavors.”
Now, it seems that the Suns will pursue Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams, who is also on the Los Angeles Lakers’ radar.
Suns had planned to bring Kokoskov back for a second season, especially after the team's stronger play in late stages of the season. Kokoskov has been a well-respected tactician who becomes another victim of the constant turnover in Phoenix. https://t.co/OgHCTGCTH7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2019
Luke Walton sued for alleged sexual assault by former sports reporter Kelli Tennant | CBS News
Recently appointed head coach of the Sacramento Kings, Luke Walton, is facing a sexual assault accusation after he allegedly assaulted a woman before becoming the Los Angeles Lakers’ coach in April 2016. Kelli Tennant, a former host of the Lakers’ regional sports network called Spectrum SportsNet LA, said that she received an unwanted physical advance by Walton in a hotel room in Santa Monica, California.
Mark Baute, Walton’s attorney, was not impressed with the woman’s attempt to put a dark spot on his client’s career.
“The accuser is an opportunist, not a victim, and her claim is not credible,” Bautesaid in a statement. “We intend to prove this in a courtroom.”
Former sports reporter Kelli Tennant has accused newly appointed Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton of sexual assault, according to a lawsuit filed Monday https://t.co/ugkeR5QxE2 pic.twitter.com/FmX0Pbkl6u
— CNN (@CNN) April 23, 2019
Nets minority owner fined $35K for ref criticism | ESPN
Joseph Tsai, the Brooklyn Nets’ minority owner gets a $35,000 fine from the NBA for making a public statement that was against the league, according to Commissioner Adam Silver. Tsai supported Brooklyn’s general manager Sean Marks, who was fined for entering the referees’ locker room following the Game 4 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers.
My partners and I have spoken and the entire Nets ownership group support our GM Sean Marks for protesting the wrong calls and missed calls. NBA rules are rules and we respect that, but our players and fans expect things to be fair.
— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) April 22, 2019
Rockets’ Capela battling 2 respiratory illnesses | ESPN
Clint Capela, the Houston Rockets’ center, told ESPN that he is battling a couple of respiratory illnesses during the Round 1 series with the Utah Jazz. Salt Lake City’s doctor prescribed him eye drops and medication after Capela was diagnosed with Klebsiella and adenovirus infection.
“It’s tough, man,” Capela said to ESPN following a disappointing display of four points and seven boards in a loss to Utah. “Especially when I try to breathe, it’s hard. I’m just going to fight it the best that I can.”
Rockets center Clint Capela told ESPN he was diagnosed with two viruses (adenovirus and klebsiella) during a doctor visit Sunday. "It's tough, man," said Capela, who was told it will be another four days until he's recovered. "I'm just going to fight it the best that I can."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 23, 2019
