ESPN 30 for 30 'Down in the Valley' Postponed Amid Sexual Molestation Allegation

An ESPN 30 for 30 documentary titled Down in the Valley will be delayed following the release of a piece detailing sexual abuse allegations that were made against Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, per Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated.    

"We are re-evaluating the content presentation of it and delaying the premiere," said John Dahl, vice president and executive producer of ESPN Films and Original Content. "When (director) Jason Hehir and we collectively agree that the film is ready and we are comfortable with it, then we will pick that air date."

The documentary centers on the Sacramento Kings' aborted relocation to Seattle from two years ago. Johnson played a big role in the Kings staying in Sacramento, with his push for a new downtown arena helping to secure the franchise's future.

This video from the Long Live the Kings Rally in May 2013 offers a brief glimpse into the extent of Johnson's involvement in the process:

Down in the Valley was originally scheduled to premiere on ESPN on Oct. 20 and has already been shown at the Tribeca and LaCosta Film Festivals.

ESPN changed its plans for the documentary after a story by Dave McKenna for Deadspin on Sept. 25. McKenna interviewed Mandi Koba, who alleged Johnson committed sexual misconduct against her in 1995. McKenna also uploaded the official report from the Phoenix Police Department responding to the allegations.

"Police brought Koba, then 17, in for an interview in June 1996 after her therapist reported that she feared the local NBA star had molested one of her patients," McKenna wrote in a separate article. "Koba described, in detail, the sexual abuse that she alleged Johnson inflicted on her over a period of several months the previous summer."  

A female employee in the Sacramento city manager's office also accused Johnson of sexual harassment in May. According to Ryan Lillis and Marissa Lang of the Sacramento Bee, he is alleged to have "pressed his body against her, felt her torso and tried to kiss her."

"We are aware of the renewed focus out there on events and issues and allegations in Mayor Johnson’s past," Dahl told Deitsch. "We know what is out there and we acknowledge that it is out there and we want to make sure that it is clear to everyone that we are responsible how we handle the story."