Byron Scott, a former player and coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, is currently facing a lawsuit over allegations of sexual assault that reportedly occurred 38 years ago. The plaintiff, Hayley Dylan, alleges that Scott sexually assaulted her when she was a 15-year-old high school student and he was 26 years old. The charges against Scott include sexual battery, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Dylan alleges that Scott manipulated her into a secluded area of her high school, away from other adults, and assaulted her in a locked janitor’s closet. The alleged incident took place during the summer when the Lakers were at the school to film an instructional basketball video and interact with students, parents, and faculty. At the time, Dylan was attending a summer math class.
Linda Bauermeister, Scott’s attorney, did not deny the incident but stated that Scott believed Dylan was over 18 at the time. Bauermeister expressed Scott’s devastation over the complaint, emphasizing that he had no idea Dylan was underage until 35 years later. She added that Scott respects women and girls, and the allegations have taken him and his family by surprise.
Dylan’s lawsuit also implicates Campbell Hall School, where the alleged incident took place, for failing to protect her from Scott. She alleges that Scott asked her for a tour of the school’s gym facilities after the day’s filming had concluded. Dylan, who was excited to show her school to someone she admired, claims that Scott then led her to an unmarked janitor’s closet, locked the door, and turned off the lights.
The lawsuit further details that Scott allegedly began kissing Dylan, removed her shirt, and attempted to force her to perform oral sex. Dylan claims that after pleading with Scott to stop, he eventually allowed her to get dressed and leave. She alleges that she was left alone at the school with the players and filming crew, and Scott discouraged her from telling anyone about the incident.
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.