Attorney for Accuser in Monta Ellis Harassment Lawsuit Sheds New Light on Case

Monta Ellis, starting shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors, will be sued Wednesday morning at the Oakland Superior Court of Alameda County for sexual harassment against a former Warriors employee.

A press conference will be held shortly after the lawsuit is filed. The plaintiff, as well as the evidence against Ellis, which includes lewd photos, will be presented to the media.

I spoke with the alleged victim's attorney, Burton F. Boltuch, late Tuesday evening. 

Boltuch maintained that the harassment began in November 2010, and lasted through January 2011. Shortly thereafter, the plaintiff was let go by the team.

When asked what reason the team gave for firing the employee, Boltuch said, "The team told her, her services were no longer needed. Her position was eliminated."

Boltuch says this wasn't coincidental. "Starting in January, the team took various steps to cover this up." he said without elaborating further. 

This lawsuit comes just a week after a former NBA security director, Warren Glover, was relieved of his duties. Glover has gone on the record to say that he thinks he was fired because he advocated on behalf of female employees of the league.

I asked Boltuch if the timing of the lawsuit against Monta Ellis was in anyway related. He responded:

"It's only related to the extent that I think there may be a culture in sports teams to cover up male harassment of females." 

I concluded the interview by asking whether or not the photos, which Boltuch described as "disgusting and graphic," identify Monta Ellis. He responded, verbatim:

"Uh, you can't, it is not his picture, but it was sent from his cell phone to her."

This piece will be updated with further details after Wednesday morning's press conference.