On March 18, Beijing time, according to the US media ESPN, Downey Nelson, former general manager of the Lone Rangers and president of basketball operations, has filed a lawsuit with the Dallas County Court, saying that the team owner Mark Cuban's decision to fire him last summer was purely malicious retaliation, because Nelson Jr. disclosed that Cuban's private secretary Jason Luating had beaten and sexually harassed his nephew during the 2020 Chicago All-Star Weekend.
The lawsuit also shows that team owner Mark Cuban had promised to pay a gag fee of up to $52 million to seek Nelson Jr. to withdraw the charges initiated by the U.S. Equal Employment Commission, as well as to sign a confidential statement about his nephew being sexually harassed and beaten.
In addition, Nelson Jr. said that NBA officials are not aware of the allegations he has made against Cuban at the U.S. Equal Employment Commission, and he is trying to cover this up because he cannot afford to expose the losses that the incident has done to him.
But Cuban was quick to respond to Nelson Jr.'s allegations in a statement in the Dallas Morning Post, writing: "It's all about the psychology of sour grapes, and these accusations are ridiculous and full of lies." NBA officials are clearly aware of and support the team's investigation into Mr. Nielsen. It turned out that the only person who violated the relevant policy was Mr. Nielsen. ”
Regarding the disagreement between the two sides, NBA league spokesman Bass said: "The NBA league office is aware of someone's complaint against Jason Lutin, and the Mavericks have investigated the complaint. The Dallas Mavericks also let us know that Downey Nelson will be removed. ”
The 60-year-old Nelson, the son of star Don Nelson, has played for the Lone Rangers for 24 years, during which time he helped the team complete the reinforcement through trades, and in 2011, he helped the team win the only championship in team history.
Billionaire Mark Cuban, an avid basketball fan and considered one of the most generous owners in the NBA league, is widely known for his continued commitment to the Lone Rangers, his relationships with players like Nowitzki, and his help to restore confidence in life for veteran NBA player Deront West. But even such a good boss can not escape the end of the lawsuit.