Byron Scott, a former player for the Lakers, faces allegations of sexually assaulting a high school student nearly four decades ago.
Haley Dylan has filed a 20-page lawsuit that includes charges of sexual assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to the lawsuit, Dylan claims Scott forced her into a locked custodian closet after convincing her to go to an isolated area at her high school. At the time, she was just 15, while Scott was 26.
Scott’s attorney, who also has past coaching experience with the Lakers and the Nets, acknowledged the lawsuit but suggested that Dylan was old enough to discuss the incident long ago. “Our clients are devastated by this allegation rooted in a basketball event from 1987. They feel the plaintiff, now an adult, should not wait 35 years to present these claims,” the attorney stated, expressing respect for Dylan while suggesting the accusations are unjust.
Now 64, Scott was married to Anita Scott at the time of the alleged incident.
Dylan has also pointed fingers at Campbell Hall School for failing to protect her from the situation, where the alleged assault took place. The Lakers were reportedly at the school filming educational basketball videos and interacting with students while Dylan attended summer math classes.
During the shoot, after staff and parents had left the gym, Scott purportedly told the film crew that Dylan could remain. He then led her on a tour of the gym, which culminated in him finding an unmarked custodian’s closet. The lawsuit describes Dylan as initially enthusiastic to show off her school but then, feeling “scary and confused,” claimed Scott grabbed her and pulled her inside.
Once inside, Scott allegedly began kissing her aggressively before attempting to coercively engage her in sexual acts. Dylan, expressing fear and confusion, recounted that after Scott relented, he allowed her to get dressed and leave.
With others having already left the premises, Dylan was left alone with Scott and the filming crew. After the incident, she accepted a ride from Scott, who supposedly discouraged her from speaking about what happened. When another teammate was asked to take her home, he reportedly refused. Eventually, Dylan was able to call her mother from a payphone to arrange a ride.
Now seeking a jury trial, Dylan is requesting over $25,000 in damages and recovery of legal fees from both Scott and Campbell Hall.
