Friday, Alex Raskin of the Daily Mail reported that New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson had been accused of rape and physical abuse by a Jane Doe claiming to be his former girlfriend. Williamson’s lawyer has since issued a statement, stating that his client is innocent and a victim of extortion.

“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them,” wrote Michael Balascio , Williamson’s attorney, Per Front Office Sports . “This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.”

In lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, Calif., Williamson is accused of a continuing pattern of “abusive, controlling and threatening behavior toward Plaintiff,” along with the ra

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