The Sacramento Kings face a major lawsuit from a former employee alleging pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination. Crystal Lee, an assistant athletic trainer from 2022 to 2025, filed the complaint in Sacramento County Superior Court on August 11, 2026, claiming unfair treatment after having a baby.
What are the specific allegations against the Kings?
Lee's lawsuit details a series of disturbing claims. She says she informed her supervisor, Senior Director of Athletic Health Jaspreet Randhawa, of her pregnancy during the 2022-23 NBA season. According to court documents, he laughed and told her she was "(expletive)." Randhawa allegedly said her life was ruined after having kids and made other disparaging comments about caretaking obligations.
The complaint states Lee was demoted twice after returning from maternity leave in July 2023. One month before her leave began, the Kings decided she could no longer travel with the team post-pregnancy. She was benched from all road games, with travel left to staff discretion, and was prevented from traveling in February 2023. Lee alleges Randhawa cultivated an "around the clock" work culture where anyone unable to meet that standard was deemed unworthy.
How have the Kings and Lee's legal team responded?
Lee's attorney, Robert King of King & Siegel LLP, issued a strong statement. "Crystal Lee broke a barrier that had stood for the entire history of the NBA," he said. "The Kings' answer was to tell her she was '(expletive)' for having a baby, demote her twice, hand her job to a man, and fire her the moment she spoke up."
The Kings have categorically denied all allegations. Team attorney Alexis Gabrielson of Cook Brown, LLP called Lee a "disgruntled former employee" and rejected her characterization of the workplace. "The Kings take allegations of discrimination and harassment seriously and are committed to maintaining a workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect," Gabrielson said. The organization plans to vigorously defend itself in court. The NBA has not yet commented on the case.
What is the context for the Kings on the court?
This legal news comes as the Kings navigate the 2025-26 NBA season. Their last recorded result was a 122-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on April 13, 2026. Recent form shows the team lost its last two games, with a record of 2 wins and 3 losses in their previous five outings (LLWWL). Fans tracking the team's performance can view updated stats and the full schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) and [standings](/standings) pages.
The lawsuit presents a significant challenge to the Kings' public image, especially for a franchise that markets itself on community and empowerment. Proving these claims in court will be a long process. For now, the organization is focused on its legal defense while the basketball operations staff prepares for upcoming games. The case highlights ongoing issues about workplace culture in professional sports beyond wins and losses.
