Former San Antonio Spurs Player Accused Of Exposing Himself During Therapy Sessions
Joshua Primo was released from the San Antonio Spurs in late October amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Abbie Parr via AP
Joshua Primo, the former San Antonio Spurs player who was ousted because of alleged harassment, claimed his accuser is using “ugly stereotypes and racially charged fears,” to make money.
According to the Daily Beast, Primo, 19, made these claims after Dr. Hillary Cauthen filed a lawsuit against him and his former team. But the therapist said she is not seeking monetary damages. Instead, she would like some accountability from Primo and his former organization.
Dr. Cauthen, a sports psychologist, alleges that Primo exposed himself to her during several therapy sessions and the Spurs leadership refused to act, according to CNN. She filed a lawsuit in Bexar County, Texas, in early November 2022.
According to ESPN, Dr. Cauthen said Primo exposed his genitals to her nine times during multiple sessions. The lawsuit said she requested a meeting with Spurs general manager Brian Wright after the first incident in December 2021. That meeting was postponed until March.
Through her attorney, Tony Buzbee, Dr. Cauthen allegedly didn’t want to lose her job and thought it was a “one-time thing.”
“Instead of something being done about it, what instead happened was they continued to call upon her to have sessions with Mr. Primo and of course the other athletes,” Buzbee said. “But unfortunately the conduct continued to occur and in fact escalate,” the New York Post reported.
Cauthen said her role with the team minimized until ultimately not getting a contract renewal; something Spurs executives disagree with. In a statement, Spurs CEO R.C. Buford said the franchise disagrees “"with the accuracy of facts, details, and timeline presented” by Dr. Cauthen.
Attorneys for Primo said Dr. Cauthen’s accusations are “either a complete fabrication, a gross embellishment, or utter fantasy.”
In a statement obtained by CNN, Primo’s legal team said “Josh Primo is a 19-year-old NBA player who has suffered a lifetime of trauma and challenges. He is now being victimized by his former team-appointed sports psychologist.”
Buzbee said his office also plans to file a criminal complaint against Primo.
According to CBS Sports, other teams “remain intrigued” in possibly picking up Primo but they are awaiting a better understanding of the alleged incidents.
