NBA, Kings close investigation into Walton

An investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton has ended without the NBA finding enough evidence to support the claims, the team and league announced Friday. On April 22, just a week after the Kings hired Walton as their head coach, he was sued by Los Angeles-area sports reporter Kelli Tennant, who claimed she had been sexually assaulted, as well as verbally and physically harassed, by the former Los Angeles Lakers coach.

The joint statement from the NBA and the Kings said Tennant declined to take part in the investigation. The NBA began its investigation just three days after Tennant's allegations became public. It was led by Sacramento attorney Sue Ann Van Dermyden and Elizabeth Maringer, senior vice president and assistant general counsel of the NBA.

More than 20 people, including Walton, were investigated. The statement said the investigation is closed unless "new evidence becomes available."