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The NBA season may still be on hold, but New Orleans Pelicans rookie sensation Zion Williamson still managed to take an “L” this week as a judge ruled against his request for a protective order to halt an inquiry for a lawsuit filed by Zion’s former agent Gina Ford of Prime Sports Marketing regarding whether or not he received improper benefits to attend Duke University.
Five days ago, Williamson’s attorney Daniel Wallach made public a protective order he filed against Ford’s requests to admit that he and/or his family received “impermissible benefits” attend Duke and wear and/or use Nike and adidas apparel.
Wallach claimed the requests were “invasive” and “irrelevant.”
BREAKING: Zion Williamson files for protective order against ‘invasive' and 'irrelevant' discovery requests, seeks court order to block Gina Ford’s inquiry into past eligibility at Duke and whether he received any improper economic benefits. pic.twitter.com/7GM4Hppyp7
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) May 28, 2020
On Tuesday, attorney Darren Heitner reported that the court had ruled against Williamson’s request.
“Florida court has just denied Zion Williamson’s motion to stay discovery relating to eligibility,” wrote Heitner in a tweet. “Thus, the state court will require Zion to answer questions from his prior marketing agents that go to whether he or his family accepted any improper benefits.”
Heitner also listed some of the questions Williamson will have to answer if the judge’s ruling stands, following an appeal by Wallach, which he stated on Twitter will be happening.
Here are some of the questions that Zion Williamson will need to answer if the court's denial of the motion to stay withstands an expected appeal by Zion. pic.twitter.com/FzdiQmcjYN
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) June 2, 2020
JUST IN: Florida judge denies a stay to Zion Williamson and will allow discovery to proceed against him in FL on whether he received improper economic benefits to attend Duke. Expect an immediate appeal to the Third DCA, via a petition for writ of certiorari.
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) June 2, 2020
I think the judge whiffed on the issue. It’s well-settled Florida law that a later-filed state court action must be stayed in deference to an earlier-filed federal action involving the same or similar claims and parties. Next stop: 3rd DCA (maybe next week).
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) June 2, 2020
Heitner went on to answer numerous questions regarding this particular ruling against Williamson and the lawsuit itself.
I absolutely agree. I've always thought it was discoverable, especially in light of very liberal rules on the subject.
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) June 2, 2020
Yes, this is a civil action for monetary damages.
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) June 2, 2020
The former marketing agent is claiming damages.
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) June 2, 2020
The agents are alleging that Zion owes them money. There have also been claims made against the new agency for allegedly prying Zion away.
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) June 2, 2020
Barring a settlement, this lawsuit is going to be a very long drawn-out affair, so get your popcorn ready.