Byron Scott, a former Los Angeles Lakers player and coach, is facing allegations of sexual assault dating back to 38 years ago. Hayley Dylan, the accuser, has filed a lawsuit against Scott, claiming he sexually assaulted her when she was a 15-year-old high school student and he was 26. The lawsuit includes charges of sexual battery, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to Dylan, Scott lured her into a secluded area of her high school, away from other adults, and assaulted her in a locked janitor’s closet. The incident allegedly occurred during the summer when the Lakers were at the school to film an instructional basketball video and interact with students, parents, and faculty. Dylan was attending a summer math class at the time.
Scott’s attorney, Linda Bauermeister, did not deny the incident but stated that Scott believed Dylan was over 18 at the time. Bauermeister told the Daily Mail, “Our client is devastated by this complaint, a basketball event that took place in 1987 … Our client believed the plaintiff to be over 18 and had no idea she would claim otherwise until 35 years later. He respects girls and women, and the claims have blindsided him and his family.”
Dylan also accuses Campbell Hall School, where the alleged incident took place, of failing to protect her from Scott. She alleges that after the filming wrapped up for the day, Scott asked her for a tour of the school’s gym facilities. She was “proud and excited to be able to show off her school to someone she admired,” before Scott allegedly led her to an unmarked janitor’s closet, locked the door, and turned off the lights.
The lawsuit details that Scott allegedly began kissing Dylan, removed her shirt, and attempted to force her to perform oral sex. After pleading with Scott to stop, he eventually allowed her to get dressed and leave. Dylan claims that after the incident, she was left alone at the school with the players and filming crew, and Scott gave her a ride home, discouraging her from telling anyone about what had happened.
The lawsuit also alleges that Scott asked a teammate to drive Dylan home, but the teammate refused, recognizing the inappropriate nature of the situation. Dylan eventually called her mother from a payphone to pick her up.
Dylan is seeking a trial by jury and over $25,000 in damages, including loss of earnings and attorney fees, to be paid by Scott and Campbell Hall.