While working security for the Women's National Basketball Association in Russia three years ago, a woman claims that the University of Connecticut women's basketball coach followed her to her hotel room, grabbed her arm and then tried to force the woman into a mouth-to-mouth kiss. The woman, as reported by the Berkshire Eagle, has now filed a personal injury lawsuit against the coach.
The suit filed by K.H., 46, a former security officer with the NBA, claims that G.A., 58, "stalked, assaulted and battered" her.
G.A. was recently named as a director of Berkshire Bank. He has denied all allegations made in the lawsuit. L.G., the spokeswoman for Berkshire said, "I can't comment on that at all. It's a legal matter, and that's something we can't talk about."
When Berkshire purchased the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, for $30 million on April 20, G.A. was appointed a director of its holding company, Berkshire Hills Bancorp. At the same time as G.A.'s appointment, the bank had entered into an agreement making G.A. the Berkshire marketing spokesman.
The lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court in Manhattan. K.H. claims that the assault occurred while G.A. was in Russia scouting for USA Basketball. K.H. was in Russia, traveling with USA Basketball, as part of a security detail.
G.A. is also the coach of the U.S. women's Olympic basketball team.
After the incident, according to K.H., she reported her allegations to both her colleagues and superiors. K.H. made the choice to remain on her tour assignment.
However, as alleged in the suit, because K.H. stayed with the group, G.A. felt "apparently spurned by the rejection" and demanded that the NBA remove her from her duties.
The suit alleges that G.A. wanted both her removal from USAB travel, and furthermore, that she not be allowed to accompany the U.S. Women's team as security during the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
The complaint states that K.H. had been a member of the New York Police Department as a detective. She has also been a member of the NPA's security team since 2002.
Stating that due to G.A. seeking her removal, K.H. further claims that the NBA failed in completing a "meaningful investigation" of the alleged assault.
G.A. issued a statement to reporters claiming that "the claim (in the lawsuit) is beyond false."
G.A.'s statement continued, "I will defend myself to the fullest, and I'm confident that the truth will ultimately prevail. In the meantime, I remain focused on representing the United States this summer and getting our team ready to compete for the gold medal."
Along with G.A., K.H. has also listed USA Basketball and the NBA as co-defendants in the lawsuit.
Being injured physically or emotionally, at home or abroad, is grounds for a lawsuit. Begin recovering your damages when you contact a personal injury lawyer to file your suit today!