NBA: Incoming Kings Coach Escapes League Punishment For Sexual Assault Allegations

The Sacramento Kings are hoping to turn things around with former Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton for the 2019-20 NBA season. Hopes were high until sexual assault allegations surfaced against the 39-year-old mentor. But it appears he has somehow gotten over the hump.

According to TMZ Sports, the NBA will not punish Walton for the sexual assault charges filed by a former Lakers reporter, Kelli Tennant. She alleged that the NBA coach forced himself on her at a Santa Monica hotel room in 2014. Curiously, she only revealed the incident five years later.

Regardless, the Kings and the NBA made their own investigation on the matter following a lawsuit filed by Tennant last April 23. She also held a press conference the following day and described claims of sexual assault, verbal and physical harassment, and unwanted physical contact over a three-year period.

But with Tennant, through her counsel, opting not to participate in the investigation, the Kings and the NBA were left with no choice but to temporarily close the case unless new evidence crops up.

"The investigators made repeated attempts to interview Ms. Tennant, but, through her counsel, she declined the opportunity to participate. The investigation is considered closed unless new evidence becomes available."

However, Walton is not entirely in the clear. The civil suit remains active and is expected to go to trial late next year. The first-year Kings coach remains adamant that he did not do anything wrong. Now he has to focus on the Kings for the 2019-20 season.

With this development, Walton is focusing on the coming NBA season and reveals he is energized to buckle down to work. He picks up from where Dave Joerger left off.

Walton landed the job after he cut ties with the Lakers last April. He compiled a 98-148 win-loss record in three years for Los Angeles. Now he acquires a young and talented mix of players in Sacramento. That includes names like Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III and De'Aaron Fox. He hopes to lead the team to a better showing compared to last season.

The Kings finished 39-43, nine games out of a playoff spot after being tied for the Western Conference's eighth seed heading into the final game before the All-Star break, NBA.com reported.