The Sacramento Kings are facing a lawsuit from former assistant athletic trainer Crystal Lee, who alleges pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination. As of their last result, Portland Trail Blazers won 122-110 against the Sacramento Kings on 2026-04-13.
What happened?
Crystal Lee worked with the Sacramento Kings from 2022 to 2025 and claims she was demoted during and after her pregnancy. She was kept from traveling with the team and eventually from treating Kings players when she returned from maternity leave. Lee also alleges she was fired less than a month after bringing her complaints to the Kings' senior vice president of human resources.
Why it matters for Sacramento Kings
This is not the first time the Kings are facing a lawsuit from former employees, as two former team dancers made accusations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment in 2023. The Kings have stated that they deny the accusations and will be fighting them, with their attorney, Alexis Gabrielson, saying the organization takes allegations of discrimination and harassment seriously. The team is committed to maintaining a workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.
What comes next?
The lawsuit was filed in California Superior Court earlier this month, and Lee is reportedly seeking unspecified damages for the various allegations listed in the lawsuit. The Sacramento Kings' recent form has been 2W-0D-3L, with their last two games being losses, but the team's focus will be on resolving this lawsuit and maintaining a positive reputation. The NBA world will be watching as the legal proceedings on this case conclude, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the team's reputation. The Sacramento Kings will need to address these allegations and work towards creating a positive and inclusive work environment for all employees.
