When the Golden State Warriors decided to transform Anthony Lamb’s contract for the remainder of the season in March, head coach Steve Kerr described it as a “straightforward decision”. This choice came as the team faced challenges such as injuries, player absences, and subpar bench performance, particularly during away games. The need for depth and versatility in the squad was evident, compelling Kerr to act swiftly to bolster the team’s roster with additional talent.

“We absolutely required another wing player with size to defend multiple positions,” Kerr explained to the media at that time. This strategic move underscores the Warriors’ commitment to enhancing their defensive capabilities and adaptability on the court as they navigate a challenging season.

However, despite the 25-year-old forward’s performance on the court, Lamb found himself embroiled in controversy, facing allegations of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit filed in Vermont back in December. Although details surrounding Lamb’s actions are included in the filing, he is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit and has not been criminally charged.

Lamb firmly denied the allegations, stating, “Simply put, I have never committed sexual assault.” In light of the controversy, Golden State’s General Manager Bob Myers mentioned that he sought input from Lamb’s previous teams—the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs—before finalizing the contract, emphasizing the importance of thorough background checks in such sensitive situations.

“Anthony is not a defendant in this ongoing lawsuit and, to our knowledge, he has never faced any legal charges regarding this matter,” the Warriors expressed in a statement to SFGATE in December. This response aims to clarify Lamb’s legal standing while attempting to distance the organization from the allegations surrounding him.

However, as highlighted in a piece on Awful Announcing by a contributor known as @Velodus on social media, the lack of transparency surrounding this situation raises significant concerns. The absence of proactive communication regarding these serious allegations leaves many questions unanswered, contributing to an ongoing dialogue about accountability and ethical practices within professional sports.

Understanding the Allegations in the Lawsuit Against Anthony Lamb

In the lawsuit, Kendall Ware, a former swimmer at the University of Vermont, claims that Lamb, who was a standout player on the Catamount’s basketball team, raped her in his room during an off-campus gathering. The severity of these allegations sheds light on the ongoing issues of sexual violence within collegiate athletics, highlighting the need for accountability and justice.

Ware also alleges that on one occasion, Lamb removed a condom during intercourse, and on another, he filmed her during their encounter without her consent. According to the lawsuit, these incidents were reported to the university’s Title IX office, which is responsible for addressing such serious allegations and ensuring a safe environment for all students.

In addition to Ware, two other female plaintiffs are suing the university—along with specific administrators and staff—alleging “deliberate indifference to student-on-student harassment, sexual assault, and drugging.” These serious claims raise questions about the university’s commitment to protecting its students and addressing incidents of sexual misconduct effectively.

The lawsuit includes detailed allegations that the University of Vermont improperly handled Ware’s complaints in an effort to protect a sports program that likely would have qualified for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament if not for the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation underscores the potential conflicts of interest that can arise when institutions prioritize athletic programs over the well-being of their students.

Athletic Director Jeff Schulman and other staff are accused of “steering” Ware away from filing a formal complaint under the university’s Title IX procedures and misleading her regarding available remedies and the potential consequences for Lamb. This behavior reflects a broader issue within educational institutions where the rights and safety of victims are often overshadowed by institutional reputations.

Back in May 2021, more than 1,000 students organized a protest on campus to voice their concerns regarding the university’s handling of sexual assault cases and to advocate for survivors, as reported by the Associated Press. This outcry represents a growing demand for change and accountability within academic institutions.

While the Warriors stated that they conducted their due diligence regarding Lamb, Ware’s attorney, Karen Truszkowski, claimed that the team never reached out to her or her client. This lack of communication raises alarm bells about the thoroughness of the team’s investigative process and their commitment to ethical standards.

Addressing Systemic Injustice in Sexual Assault Cases

This situation serves as a troubling yet significant example of a systemic issue that persists in our society.

According to the CDC, sexual assaults against teenage girls surged during the COVID lockdowns. A study conducted in Michigan revealed that emergency rooms are seeing a higher number of individuals reporting sexual assaults. However, this increase does not correlate with the number of victims who actually file formal complaints. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), a mere 20 percent of college students who have experienced rape report the crime to law enforcement. In the general population, for every 1,000 incidents of sexual assault, only 310 are reported to police, and merely 28 of those cases will lead to a felony conviction.

Recent discussions following the guilty verdicts of figures like Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby have emphasized the urgent need for society to improve its handling of sexual assault cases. Typing “sexual assault” into Google today will likely yield startling results, illustrating how pervasive this issue has become, even infiltrating the Golden State Warriors’ roster.

While the franchise can assert that it took all necessary steps before deciding to sign Lamb, a team with such significant resources should transparently communicate what it considers to be “due diligence.”

Yes, Lamb is a player who may receive minimal playing time during the postseason. Andrew Wiggins has returned to the Warriors, although he did not participate in their recent 136-125 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Lamb started the game but played only 12 minutes, with none during critical moments of the match.

Perhaps the Warriors’ decision to support a player with such a limited role in their healthy rotation sends a message that this “progressive” team, owned by a business tycoon, lacks moral high ground.

Or perhaps these allegations serve as a stark reminder that systemic injustice is always present. It would be beneficial if the NBA could convey that message with sincerity.

April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which presents an excellent opportunity for the NBA to champion this cause, similar to how the NFL promotes breast cancer awareness.