Warriors' Star Monta Ellis Sued for Sexual Harassment
NBA guard Monte Ellis has been sued by a former Golden State Warriors’ employee for sexual harassment.
Erika Ross Smith, who worked in the Warriors’ community relations department, accused Ellis of sending her explicit text messages, including pictures of his genitals. According to Smith, she began receiving these messages in November 2010 and received several messages a day.
The texts were messages like, “Hey Sexy” and “I want to be with you,” according to the lawsuit. They were filled with proposed sexual encounters, according to USA Today. Ellis also reportedly asked Smith what she was wearing or doing.
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Smith reportedly rejected Ellis’ advances and her lawyer produced one of the photos of what Ross said was Ellis’ genitals. She replied with messages such as, “What do you want?” or “I am sleeping.”
The photo was sent to Smith on a work-issued cell phone on Dec. 17, 2010. According to reports, this was one day after Ellis complained to the team about Smith’s work performance.
The Warriors’ later changed Smith’s job description and eventually fired her. The lawsuit reports that her termination was due to Ellis’ wife, Juanika Ellis, learning about the texts and then complaining to team executives. She then received a call from Ellis’ wife on Jan. 7, where she told Smith, “I know about the secret phone.”
There was also a physical altercation between the two women at a Warriors’ home game, according to reports.
“I was treated unfairly. I was let go,” Smith said in a news conference.
The lawsuit alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress, wrongful termination, and retaliation, according to USA Today. Smith is seeking unspecified damages. Smith’s attorney, Burton Boltuch, said in a news conference that his client continues to suffer emotional distress.
“On a micro level, my client has endured unwanted harassment, has suffered and continues to suffer emotional distress and trauma,” Bultoch said. “On a macro level, this type of conduct, especially in the sports world, must stop.”
Bultoch also stated that his client was embarrassed, intimidated and felt scared and helpless.
Smith, who has also worked with the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns, said she was scared to public with these allegations because she didn’t want to be blacklisted.
Monta Ellis was the Warriors’ leading scorer in 2011, averaging 24.1 points per game. He signed a $66 million contract for six years in 2007, when he scored 20.2 points a game.
