Portland's Hiring of Chauncey Billups Just Became More Problematic

When Chauncey Billups was hired as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in June, there was a lot of talk about a sexual assault accusation made against the former Pistons/Nuggets star. Back in 1997, the allegation was investigated by authorities but no charges were ever filed. However, the accuser's former lawyer says she still stands by her claims.

At the time of the hiring, Portland said they did their own independent investigation into the matter that "corroborated Chauncey's recollection of the events that nothing non-consensual happened."

"We did everything in our power to vet that incident," President of basketball operations Neil Olshey said. However, now some serious doubt is being raised about that.

OPB reported on "a number of basic steps the Trail Blazers do not appear to have taken in their review." The publication states that the Trail Blazers' review of the case "did not obtain information directly from several primary sources, including the accuser." The attorney for the accusers says that she was never contacted by the team or anyone associated with it.


OPB says the Blazers' investigation into the matter came together quickly and it seems likely that they didn't get nearly as thorough as they suggested. This news is sure to fire up the controversy around Billups again and cast a dark shadow over Portland's offseason. Will the furor over the hiring grow? Will Billups still even be head coach by the time the new season begins?