August 23, 2026 • 6:02 AM EDT
Updated 7 hours ago
Crystal Lee, who was the first NBA athletic trainer to give birth while on the job, has filed a lawsuit against the Sacramento Kings. According to court documents, Lee accuses the team of pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. She served as an assistant athletic trainer for the Kings from 2022 to 2025, but alleges that after revealing she was pregnant, she faced numerous setbacks, was demoted twice, and ultimately fired.
Lee’s legal representative, Robert King of King & Siegel LLP, told USA TODAY that they intend to prove their claims against the Kings, highlighting how Lee’s job was handed to a man after she became a mother. King criticised the organisation for selling itself as empowering women while reportedly pushing out their first female trainer who became a mother during her tenure. In response, the Kings have denied all allegations and represented through their attorney Alexis Gabrielson that they reject the characterisation of their workplace found in Lee’s claims, stating that they will vigorously defend against them in court.
Per Yahoo Sports, this lawsuit shines a powerful light on workplace culture in pro sports, and could have ramifications beyond Sacramento. The NBA did not respond to requests for comment, leaving the focus on the legal battle ahead and its potential impact on employment practices across the league.
If you follow the NBA, Lee’s case is a big deal. For anyone watching the league’s off-court narratives—not just the games—this is a moment where team cultures and fair treatment are being scrutinised hard. We always say teams are more than just the players and coaches; they’re workplaces with real people and unique challenges. Here’s how the story unfolded and why bettors and fans should take notice.
Breakdown of Lee’s Allegations
Lee alleges several forms of mistreatment during her three-year Kings tenure. The lawsuit claims that after she informed her supervisor of her pregnancy during the 2022-23 season, he responded by laughing and making inappropriate remarks about how having kids “ruins your life.” The accusations extend to claims that Lee was forced to work under an “around the clock” culture that left no room for parental responsibilities.
- Lee was reportedly benched from all road games one month prior to starting her maternity leave in May 2023.
- She was only allowed to attend home games until the end of the 2023 season.
- Upon return in July 2023, she wasn’t reinstated to her previous role but was replaced by a new hire and demoted to a remote administrative position.
- Lee claims a second demotion came in September 2024, stripping her of her athletic trainer title and duties.
- She alleges further exclusion from team activities and did not receive a chance to resume normal responsibilities.
- The team’s basketball operations staff, including high-profile executives and coaches, are alleged to have ignored or dismissed her concerns, with some being named for sexual harassment.
Retaliation and Final Termination
Lee states that after taking her complaints to Human Resources, she was fired for so-called performance issues. She alleges none of her concerns were investigated and that her Kings tenure has since hampered her career prospects elsewhere, as evidenced by a failed job interview with a Women’s Soccer League club after her story came up during background discussions.
What the Kings and Both Sides Are Saying
The Kings, via their attorney Alexis Gabrielson, categorically deny the allegations, stating the club is committed to respecting all employees and will defend itself in court. Meanwhile, Lee’s attorney, Robert King, is framing this legal fight as a larger issue of fairness and equity in the NBA, especially for women breaking new ground in male-dominated environments. As King put it after Lee’s dismissal, “Crystal Lee broke a barrier that had stood for the entire history of the NBA. 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. A team that sells itself on empowering women owes an explanation… We intend to prove exactly what happened here.”
Key Developments at a Glance
- Crystal Lee files suit against the Kings alleging discrimination after her pregnancy and childbirth.
- Lawsuit describes demotions, restricted work duties, and eventual firing following her maternity leave.
- Lee’s direct supervisors and members of basketball operations named in allegations of retaliation and harassment.
- Kings categorically deny all allegations and plan to defend themselves in court.
- NBA hasn’t publicly commented on the case as of now.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Bettors
- Off-court legal drama can impact team culture and reputation, potentially spilling over into player morale and focus.
- The Kings are under legal scrutiny for alleged employment discrimination, a story likely to remain in headlines through the season.
- League-wide implications: This case could influence how NBA teams handle similar matters moving forward.
- Allegations involve some high-level team personnel, including former and current basketball operations staff.
- Team statements make clear this won’t be resolved quickly or easily—watch for developments if you follow Sacramento closely.
- Lee’s story is a first in the NBA: a mother athletic trainer taking legal action over workplace treatment.
- Fans and bettors should monitor any shift in team leadership or staffing that might result from the lawsuit’s fallout.
More coverage: more NBA headlines, NBA betting hub and NBA picks and predictions.
Related stories
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only. We may earn a commission from affiliate links.
Login 
