NBA -- Johnson, Augmon Sued For $24 Million
LOS ANGELES - A woman who says she is pregnant with the child of New York forward Larry Johnson is suing him, claiming he tried to get a former teammate to intimidate her into having an abortion.
Laura Tate alleges sexual battery, assault and emotional distress in the lawsuit filed yesterday in Superior Court. It seeks $24 million - $8 million in general damages and $16 million in punitive damages, according to Tate's lawyer.
Portland forward Stacey Augmon, a former teammate of Johnson's at UNLV, is also named as a defendant in the suit.
Arn Tellum, Augmon's lawyer, said his client is innocent.
"Stacy vigorously denies these allegations and prefers to try this case in a court of law where he will be vindicated," he said. "He denies these ridiculous and outrageous allegations and has no further comment."
The suit accuses Augmon of assault, harassment, conspiracy to commit emotional distress and intent to commit bodily harm. In addition to those charges, Johnson is accused of sexual battery and paternity.
A message left with Johnson's lawyer, Johnnie Cochran Jr., was not immediately returned.
Tate, who says she is six months pregnant, alleged in the suit that Augmon called her at Johnson's request and threatened her with violence.
Her attorneys also displayed an enlarged color photograph purportedly showing Johnson and Tate together.
"I really cared about Larry and I'm really sorry that this all had to come to this," Tate said.
Tate said she had sex with Johnson in November and they dated seriously for 15 months, but she didn't know he was married.
Tate and Johnson had met through Augmon's girlfriend, said Harold Becks, Tate's lead attorney.
Note
-- Washington Wizard forward Tracy Murray will have surgery Tuesday to repair torn ligaments in his right wrist. Murray, who shoots right-handed, said he will wear a cast on the wrist for 2 1/2 months and will be able to resume shooting after three months. Murray suffered the injury in an exhibition game last October.