Jordan Clarkson (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The latest shocking news from the NBA could greatly affect the career of Jordan Clarkson.
A report from Baxter Holmes of ESPN recounts an accusation from a Alexis Jones, who is, ironically a woman empowerment advocate. Jones stated that men in a Jeep, identified through photos as LA Lakers players Jordan Clarkson and Nick Young, verbally harassed her and her 68 year-old mother.
"Jones said following dinner she and her 68-year-old mother stopped their vehicle at the intersection, where a Jeep with four men pulled up alongside them," Holmes reported. "According to Jones, the men inside the Jeep began making "vulgar, sexual" gestures toward her mother."
"She was super rattled. That's the truth. It scared her," Jones said. "We were in a small car, and they were in a big Jeep, and it was a bunch of big dudes. They're leaning out of the car and making vulgar, sexual gestures. My mom was really shocked. That immediately turned into sobbing."
Jones also noted: "The irony is I created a program called 'ProtectHer' out of the urgency to address sexual abuse in athletics, and I was on phone calls with the NBA as of Friday talking with them about integrating this message and this program into the NBA."
Alexis Jones posted the following photo on her Instagram, which led to commenters identifying Clarkson and Young.
The Lakers have addressed the issue through their spokesman John Black and stated that they are looking "very seriously" into the matter.
Jones also said that Black has apologized to her. "Jones said she received a call from Black, who she said apologized on behalf of the Lakers. Jones said Black suggested the possibility of Jones speaking to the Lakers about the topic she has spent the past two-and-a-half years traveling the U.S. to speak to collegiate athletes about: respect and treatment of women."
"I've been inspired by how the Lakers have responded," she said.
Clarkson is at a very critical point in his career and has much to lose with the incident. He is due for restricted free agency and is expected to sign a huge contract. He is also slated to play for the Philippines in the summer for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila. How will this incident affect these milestones in his young career?
NBC writer Kurt Helin points out that the sudden rise to fame and the Hollywood atmosphere are sometimes too much for young players to handle.
"The topic of development of young Lakers players has been a controversial one among Lakers fans this season, but developing players properly is more than just teaching them about how to play on the court, it's about teaching them respect and professionalism off it. A number of teams find that as much or more challenging," Helin said.
Or maybe they could get Clarkson a better mentor than Nick Young.
