Blazers PR ends question on Chauncey Billups allegation

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The Portland Trail Blazers have turned down a reporter’s question about a decades-old sexual assault allegation against recently appointed head coach Chauncey Billups.

In his opening remarks at the introductory press conference, Billups, 44, said the alleged 1997 incident “has shaped my life in so many different ways.”

But when Jason Quick of The Athletic asked for clarification on that part of his statement, Billups remained silent as a member of the Blazers public relations department intervened.

“Jason, we appreciate your question,” said a Portland staff member. “We fixed this problem. It has been asked and answered, so happy to move on to the next question here.

Blazers general manager Neil Olshey remained silent throughout the commentary, taking a sip of water.

Blazers fans have slammed the organization for hiring Billups, who most recently served as the Clippers’ assistant coach and NBA analyst for ESPN.

In 1997, then-Boston Celtics Billups and teammate Ron Mercer were accused by a woman of sexual misconduct at the home of former Boston forward Antoine Walker.

No criminal charges were filed, and Mercer and Billups settled a civil lawsuit with the accuser for an undisclosed sum three years later. Walker also settled a lawsuit with the accuser, who said Walker failed to prevent the alleged rape.

@jwquick asked Chauncey Billups to elaborate on the 1997 sexual assault allegation and how the prosecution has shaped it in an incredible way.

Trail Blazers PR cut it off.

Here’s what Billups said in his opening statement: #RipCity pic.twitter.com/V5BO5Ye89f

– Evan Schreiber (@SchreiberEvan) June 29, 2021

While addressing the 1997 rape allegation, Billups said the incident had a significant impact on his life decisions.

“Every decision has consequences, and it led to some really, really healthy but difficult conversations I had with my wife – who was my girlfriend at the time in 1997 – and my daughters about what happened. really happened and what they might have to read about me in the news and in the media, ”Billups said at the press conference.

“But this experience has shaped my life in so many different ways, my decision making obviously, who I allow myself to be in my life, the friendships and relationships I have and how I go about it. It’s impacted every decision I make, really, and it’s shaped me in incredible ways. “

Chauncey Billups at his Trail Blazers introductory press conference on June 29, 2021.

Billups finalized a five-year deal with the Blazers on Sunday, according to ESPN, which also reported that the team investigated the 1997 rape allegation before offering him the head coach job on Friday.

Billups was reportedly involved in the investigation, and sources told the website that his responses in a number of conversations with the organization coincided with the findings of his independent investigation.

Chauncey Billups (left) and Trail Blazers General Manager Neil Olshey (right) on June 29, 2021.

The hiring controversy could push star goaltender Damian Lillard “out”, Yahoo Sports previously reported. Lillard apparently would not have suggested Billups to the Blazers’ brass after previously declaring his preference for Jason Kidd – who ended up becoming the head coach of the Mavericks.

Lillard responded to Twitter’s reaction by stating that he was unaware of the allegations against Billups.

The Knicks are monitoring Lillard’s situation, the Post’s Marc Berman reported.

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