Hillary Cauthen, the San Antonio Spurs clinical psychologist who alleged Joshua Primo exposed himself to her on multiple occasions, has now settled her lawsuit with Primo and the team, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Cauthen’s attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented 23 of the women who accused NFL quarterback DeShaun Watson of sexual misconduct, said in a statement that all parties “agreed to resolve this matter.”
Former Spurs psychologist Hillary Cauthen, the team and guard Josh Primo “have agreed to resolve” Cauthen’s lawsuits against both parties, her attorney Tony Buzbee confirms.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2022
Cauthen claimed in her suit that she complained about Primo’s behavior to Spurs officials, but said they turned a blind eye and refused to punish the 2021 No. 12 draft pick
Spurs CEO RC Buford released a statement saying the team will work with Cauthen to improve their workplace processes.
“We have decided to collaborate with Dr. Cauthen and other experts in an effort to review and improve our workplace processes and procedures,” the statement read in part. “This is a learning opportunity for us, and one that we are certain will make us better moving forward.”
Spurs CEO RC Buford statement after the team resolved its lawsuit with former team psychologist Hillary Cauthen: “… We have decided to collaborate with Dr. Cauthen and other experts in an effort to review and improve our workplace processes and procedures.” pic.twitter.com/YCSakYyJX8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2022
Primo’s attorney attorney, William J. Briggs II, said in a statement shortly after the lawsuit was filed a few weeks ago that his client never intentionally exposed himself to Cauthen. He referred to the allegations as “either a complete fabrication, a gross embellishment or utter fantasy.”
The lawsuit alleged that Primo exposed himself nine times to Cauthen beginning in December 2021.
Cauthen first voiced her concerns about Primo’s conduct in January 2022 with Spurs general manager Brian Wright. Cauthen met with Wright on March 21 and continued to report the issues with concerns and told Wright she was uncomfortable meeting alone with Primo.
She met with Wright again in April and expressed frustration that nothing had been done and met with the Spurs legal team in April. Cauthen was told an investigation would take place and to avoid contact with Primo.
Cauthen followed up on the status of the investigation a week later and was informed that Primo would continue to participate in team activities. It was then suggested by deputy general counsel Brandon James and head of human resources Kara Allen that Cauthen work from home, according to the suit.
In Cauthen’s suit she requested unspecified damages. The details of the settlement were not released.
Without knowing any of the facts beyond what was alleged in the suit, some kind of resolution was made.
Buford’s statement and pledge to work with Cauthen can be seen as a PR move if you take the cynical view. Sports, like many industries, has done its part in evoking that cynicism.
But if we are to believe him, the Spurs do need to be better about a lot of things. Like many other organizations likely do. Employees, regardless of where they fall on the org chart, need to feel safe reporting on other members within their organization without fear of backlash and retribution. Their concerns should also be acknowledges, heard and treated with the appropriate earnestness required.
The Spurs waived Primo on Oct. 28. He has yet to sign with another team.
