By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Former longtime Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson sued the team, alleging that owner Mark Cuban fired him for reporting that the chief of staff sexually harassed and sexually assaulted his nephew during a job interview in 2020.
The lawsuit also alleges that Cuban offered Nelson 52 million dollars to withdraw a wrongful termination claim and sign a confidentiality statement related to the alleged harassment and abuse of his nephew.
Nelson says that Jason Lutin, described in the lawsuit as Cuban’s “right-hand man” and who still works for the team, assaulted and harassed his nephew in a hotel room during the 2020 All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
Cuban and Lutin denied all the allegations and the Mavericks released a statement.
“Allegations that were brought against Jason Lutin were promptly and thoroughly investigated by outside investigators and counsel. The NBA was immediately made aware of the allegations. The claims were determined to be fabricated and the matter was resolved.
Separately, Mr. Nelson refused to cooperate with the investigators that were looking into his behavior.
Nelson’s claims of being terminated because of retaliation are completely unfounded and the lawsuit filed today is baseless and full of lies.
Mr. Nelson is fully aware, as is the NBA, of the reasons for his termination at the end of the 2020-2021 season.
The Mays have always intended to hold private the inappropriate actions of Donnie Nelson that led to his termination,” the Mavs’ statement read.