Britney Spears Smacked in Face By San Antonio Spurs Security ... Wanted Pic with Victor Wembanyama
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10:02 AM PT -- We've now gotten photos showing Britney Spears and Victor Wembanyama headed toward the restaurant's entrance.
You can see Spears come up from behind the young NBA star -- and from there, a witness said she tried to tap him on the shoulder, which led to things getting physical with security.
9:46 AM PT -- We just received contrary information about the police investigation from a source high up in the Metro PD. Our source says this is indeed a criminal investigation and they are taking the incident "as serious as a heart attack." The source adds the case will "likely" be referred to the D.A., although that does not mean criminal charges will be filed.
9:10 AM PT -- We're told Vegas police brass will be meeting face-to-face with Britney this morning to discuss the incident.
Our law enforcement sources tell us the cops who responded to ARIA reviewed security camera footage showing Smith push Britney's hand away ... and then her hand, not Smith's, struck her face. Cops did not address the velocity of the force of the swing.
8:23 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, the man listed on the police report as the one who slapped Britney is Damian Smith, the Director of Team Security for the Spurs. Our sources say it is not being handled as a criminal matter, because cops determined Smith was not trying to hurt Britney but rather defend Victor Wembanyama.
Britney Spears was allegedly assaulted Wednesday night in Vegas, after a member of NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama's security backhanded her in the face, and she has filed a police report.
7/5/23
The incident went down at Catch restaurant in the ARIA Hotel around 8:30 PM. Britney, along with her husband, Sam Asghari, and 2 others went to the restaurant for dinner. She was swarmed by fans as she entered the casino.
7/5/23
Britney and co. walked over to Catch, and as they were entering the restaurant, Britney spotted Victor. We're told she's a fan and went over to him to ask if they could take a photo together. She tapped him on his back, right shoulder and, we're told the Director of Team Security for the San Antonio Spurs -- the team that drafted Victor last month -- instantly backhanded her, causing her to fall to the ground ... knocking her glasses off.
Britney composed herself and went to her table. We're told the security guy came over to the table and apologized. He said, "You understand how it is when you're being swarmed by fans." He apologized and Britney accepted it. BTW, we're told he also said when he slapped her he didn't know who she was.
Britney's security team spent time with Victor's security guy, and afterward her team filed a police report with the Metropolitan Police Dept. alleging battery.
Originally Published -- 7:35 AM PT
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Victor Wembanyama Ticket Prices Surge For Rookie's Debut ... in NBA Summer League
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The Victor Wembanyama effect is real -- the most hyped prospect since LeBron James isn't just generating an uptick in regular season tickets sales ... fans are paying big money to catch a glimpse of the 7'5" phenom in the SUMMER LEAGUE!
Wemby -- who sat out the Sacramento Summer League games earlier this week -- is expected to make his NBA debut in the Las Vegas Summer League on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets.
Ticket reseller Gametime, which specializes in last-minute tix, tells TMZ Sports they're seeing a "huge demand for tickets" ... and they're going for significantly more than other summer league games.
We're told ticket prices for most games are 40 around bucks, but for Wemby, prices start at $186!
"The top-priced seats are going for $617 per seat," a Gametime spokesperson told us.
It probably shouldn't come as a surprise... hype around the 19-year-old prospect, who became the first French-born player to be drafted first overall, has been insane.
He can run, jump, shoot, defend ... all of it, at his absolutely massive size (he has an 8-foot wingspan!)
Not even LeBron is immune to the hype around Wemby.
"Everybody’s been a unicorn over the last few years, well he’s more like an alien," James said last season.
"His ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot step-back jumpers on the post, step-back 3s, catch-and-shoot 3s, block shots. He’s for sure a generational talent."
Wembanyama will have the eyes of the basketball world on him later this week ... but he won't be the only star playing in the game. Number two overall pick Brandon Miller (good enough to be the first overall pick in most drafts) will be across from Victor, playing for the Hornets.
Let's goooo!!!!!
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NBA's Devonte' Graham Pleads Guilty To Driving While Impaired
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San Antonio Spurs guard Devonte' Graham has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while impaired stemming from his July 2022 arrest ... TMZ Sports has learned.
According to a spokesperson for the Wake County District Attorney's Office, Graham entered the plea during a court hearing on Tuesday after cutting a deal with prosecutors.
NBA's Devonte' Graham Arrested For DWI, Allegedly Had .11 BAC
We're told the speeding charge that Graham was also facing in the case will be dismissed as part of the deal.
A sentencing hearing for Graham has now been slated for next month.
The 28-year-old NBA player was initially hit with the two charges back on July 7, 2022 ... after authorities in Raleigh, North Carolina say he had been doing 63 MPH in a 40 MPH zone while intoxicated at around 3 AM.
Police at the time said after pulling over Graham for speeding, breath tests revealed he had a BAC of .11.
Graham -- a former second-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft -- had been playing for the New Orleans Pelicans at the time of the arrest ... but he was traded to the Spurs roughly seven months later as part of a deal for Josh Richardson.
Graham went on to play in 20 games for San Antonio, averaging 13 points per game.
We've reached out to Graham's attorney for comment, but so far, no word back yet.
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Gilbert Arenas Strength No Issue For Wembanyama ... NBA Big Men Suck
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Victor Wembanyama's incredibly slight build won't stop the number one pick from kicking ass starting game one, according to former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, who flat-out says today's big men suck (with a couple of exceptions).
"If you can get buckets, you can get buckets. It doesn't matter how strong you are," Arenas told Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weeknights on FS1).
"He only has two people in the position that he's going to be guarding, you got [Joel Embiid] and [Nikola Jokic]. That's six games a year. That's gonna be real tough for you. Other than that there's no one in your position. Everyone sucks. Everyone's trash."
"You have [Brook Lopez], undersized Al Horford, you got [Pascal Siakam,] they're playing him at center now. You don't have no one that's really gonna challenge you and your size. For the most part you should be fine. You should be perfectly fine."
Of course, the nearly 7'5" French phenom, who is listed at 230 lbs., was drafted with the first overall pick during last week's NBA Draft. Some people have questioned whether Wemby can be effective given his current frame.
Frankly, Gilbert thinks that's crap ... given the way the game is now played.
"From who, Siakam is gonna break him? Who's gonna break him at the center?" Arenas asked.
"They're thinking the NBA is Shaq, [Alonzo Mourning], Yao Ming, no. There's two to three centers he has to worry about, other than that it's a cakewalk through the center position."
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Victor Wembanyama First Pitch Redemption Offer ... From San Antonio Minor League Team
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Victor Wembanyama's ceremonial first pitch at the Yankee game was a flop ... but things are looking up for the NBA phenom, 'cause he's getting a chance to redeem himself -- courtesy of San Antonio's minor league baseball team!!
Remember, the 19-year-old French superstar showed off his arm at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday ... and it definitely didn't go as planned, as his toss sailed wayyy wide of home.
Victor Wembanyama's first pitch at Yankee Stadium 🏀⚾️ pic.twitter.com/WWydat2ECa
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) June 20, 2023 @YESNetwork
But the 7'5" giant won't have to live in embarrassment forever -- TMZ Sports has learned the San Antonio Missions (the San Diego Padres Double-A minor league affiliate) are set to provide the new Spurs hooper with an opportunity to settle his score.
The Missions tell us Victor has an "open invitation" from the team's president to throw out the first pitch at one of their upcoming games ... so he can (hopefully) hurl a strike this time around.
The team added ... "The entire city of San Antonio, as you can imagine, is incredibly excited about Victor being a Spur."
FYI -- it would be a pretty convenient trip for Wemby, as the Missions play ball just 15 minutes away from AT&T Center.
Wembanyama seemed serious about wanting retribution for his first pitch earlier this week ... telling JJ Redick during ESPN's 2023 NBA draft broadcast, "I wish I could do it again, man ... I'm gonna do way better."
You got this, Wemby!!
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Victor Wembanyama Sister Asks 'Can You See My Breasts?' ... During NBA Draft
Victor Wembanyama's sister had a hilarious moment caught on a hot mic during the French superstar's big night at the NBA Draft ... when she asked out loud if she was suffering a wardrobe malfunction!!
The whole thing unfolded on Thursday's ESPN broadcast ... as the Wembanyama family was being interviewed shortly after the 7'5" phenom was selected by the San Antonio Spurs.
"Hearing that sentence from Adam Silver, I've dreamed of it so much."
— ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2023 @espn
—Victor Wembanyama and his siblings were emotional after he was drafted No. 1 overall pic.twitter.com/YRlkTcMpbl
Eve -- who was wearing a low-cut blazer for the event -- looked down at her chest as she sat on the couch in between Victor and their brother, Oscar ... and openly asked in French, "Es qu’on voit mes seins?"
FYI -- in English, that translates to "Can they see my breasts?"
Oscar laughed at the inquiry ... and decided to help out by pulling Eve's blazer closer together.
Luckily for Eve, it appeared she was able to escape the situation without a nip slip.
Victor was the big star of the night, but Eve also got a lot of love on social media ... as she gained a ton of followers on Instagram after appearing on the broadcast.
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Victor Wembanyama Spurs Take Phenom With First Pick ... No Surprises Here!!!
The San Antonio Spurs just made the easiest decision in franchise history ... taking international sensation Victor Wembanyama with the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old French big man was the most hyped prospect since LeBron James ... in large in part due to his 7'5" frame, smooth ball-handling skills and impressive shooting ability.
In fact, Wemby was a massive betting favorite to have his name called first on Thursday at -50000 odds (you'd have to bet $50k just to win a hundred bucks).
Wembanyama was a star for the LNB Pro A's Metropolitans 92 this past season ... racking up 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3 blocks a game.
The selection was pretty much set in stone after the ping pong balls landed in the Spurs' favor at the Draft Lottery last month ... which was unofficially dubbed the Wemby Sweepstakes.
Wemby is already a massive star in the States ... as there have been massive crowds following him throughout NYC this week.
The rest of the draft will get a bit more interesting ... with stars like Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller slated to round out the top 3.
One thing's for sure ... Wemby won't have to pay for a meal in San Antonio again.
Welcome to the league, rook!!
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Victor Wembanyama Botches First Pitch At Yanks Game ... Juuust A Bit Outside!!!
Update
4:04 PM PT -- It's a good thing Wemby is a great basketball player, 'cause the prospect's first pitch was quite the stinker ... flying waaaay outta the strike zone and past the catcher.
Wemby was a good sport over it all ... smiling as he made his way to home plate after the toss.
Victor Wembanyama's first pitch at Yankee Stadium 🏀⚾️ pic.twitter.com/WWydat2ECa
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) June 20, 2023 @YESNetwork
It was pretty expected, though -- after all, baseball ain't the biggest sport in France.
Keep your head up, buddy!!
Future NBA star Victor Wembanyama is throwing the first pitch at the New York Yankees game on Tuesday ... and the giant hooper showed off just how massive he is prior to the ceremonial toss by covering a baseball with his whole hand!!
A baseball looks like a marble in Victor Wembanyama’s hands pic.twitter.com/39LNJrJPRX
— Joon Lee (@joonlee) June 20, 2023 @joonlee
The soon-to-be San Antonio Spur shared a snap of himself holding a baseball leading up to the big moment ... and the 7'5" athlete made the damn thing look more like a golf ball.
"Lmaooooo," Wemby said on Instagram ... fully aware that he is a freak of nature.
The French superstar was friendly as usual with fans before the game ... signing autographs as he rocked a Yankee jersey and a pair of unreleased Nike x Drake kicks.
Victor Wembanyama is throwing the 1st pitch tonight at Yankee Stadium — and he’s wearing Drake’s upcoming Nike NOCTA Glide sneaker 👀
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 20, 2023 @NickDePaula
(📷: @joonlee) pic.twitter.com/QQCK4qezTO
As we previously reported, Wemby touched down in the States on Monday ... and was bombarded by supporters, which was a glimpse of what the rest of his life will look like.
The game starts at 4 PM PT ... and Wemby will take the mound prior to the Yankees' tilt against the Seattle Mariners.
Considering the guy is quite the coordinated big fella, we're assuming it's gonna be a strike!!
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Victor Wembanyama Fans Swarm NBA Prospect At JFK ... Ahead Of Draft
Victor Wembanyama mania is in full effect -- the future No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft was mobbed by fans as he touched down in the U.S. on Monday ... and the scene was crazy!!
The 19-year-old French phenom is at the center of the basketball world ahead of Thursday's festivities ... and all signs point to the San Antonio Spurs taking him as soon as they're on the clock.
Victor Wembanyama arrives for the #NBADraft Presented by State Farm 🇫🇷✈️🇺🇸
— NBA (@NBA) June 19, 2023 @NBA
📅 Thursday, June 22, 8pm/et on ABC/ESPN pic.twitter.com/rBXDttMoDJ
Wembanyama immediately got a taste of what it will be like to be a celebrity in America when he landed at JFK airport ... being met with a large group of supporters.
Fans brought basketballs, magazines, and custom jerseys in hopes of getting an autograph from the 7'5" hooper ... and based on the footage, he was patient enough to sign as much as he could before heading into a sprinter van.
"I don't know how they knew what flight I was on, but it's fun," Wembanyama said of the impromptu meet-and-greet. "It's different, seeing that you can have such impact on people."
Welcome to the league, Vic -- better get used to it!!
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Robert Horry Hakeem Better Than Shaq, Tim Duncan ... 'Number One By Far'
Robert Horry played alongside Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, and Tim Duncan -- three of the greatest players to ever grace a court -- but who was the best?? Big Shot Bob says it's The Dream, and it's not even close!
52-year-old Horry recently joined Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on their "All The Smoke" podcast ... when the convo turned to the 7x NBA champ's list of the top five big men in NBA history.
Robert Horry is taking Hakeem over Shaq and Timmy.
— SHOWTIME Basketball (@shobasketball) May 30, 2023 @shobasketball
Hard to argue with a guy that won rings with all three of them
New episode of #AllTheSmoke with @RKHorry drops on Thursday. 💨 pic.twitter.com/49BKPmfoFE
"Dream is number one by far," Horry told the guys. "Nobody wants to talk about it. I think you have these guys who are quiet. Dream, he's a really quiet guy. You can't get him to do much, to say much. So, we kind of veer away from him. We don't talk about him."
Of course, Horry was with Hakeem for four seasons, Shaq for seven, and Duncan for five.
Rob says if you look at the totality of Hakeem's career (winning Defensive Player of the Year and MVP in the same season), he deserves the top spot over Shaq and TD. Dream also made 12 All-Star teams.
Horry won back-to-back championships with Olajuwon in 1994 and 1995 before joining the Los Angeles Lakers, where he was an integral piece in winning three championships with Shaq and Kobe Bryant.
After his time in L.A., Rob finished his career with the Spurs, winning another two titles alongside Duncan.
As for who's the best ... pick your poison. All three legends have out-of-this-world numbers and career achievements.
Shaq won an MVP in 2000. He's also a 15x All-Star and 3x NBA Finals MVP. Duncan was a 2x NBA MVP and 15x All-NBA defender who was named to 15 All-Star games.
Ultimately, Rob says he's grateful he was able to play with Hakeem, Shaq, and Tim, but it's Olajuwon who gets the nod.
"His body of work was just incredible," Horry said, "and he's just a good dude, too, man."
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Gilbert Arenas Victor Wembanyama Is A 'Game-Changer' ... One Thing Concerns Me
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Gilbert Arenas is believing the hype around future NBA star Victor Wembanyama ... telling TMZ Sports the French hooper is a "generational game-changer" ... but there's one thing that could keep him from his full potential -- his feet.
We spoke with Agent Zero about the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, and he says if the 19-year-old possesses the basketball I.Q. like fellow international stars Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić ... he will thrive in the league.
But while Gilbert says Wembanyama checks off so many boxes, the one thing that concerns him is the 7'2" giant's dogs ... admitting foot issues could potentially impact his promising NBA career.
"That's the only thing I think will slow him down is [his] feet," Arenas said. "Other than that, as long as he's healthy, I don't see anyone stopping the progression in his dominance."
While Wemby has had a number of injuries in his short career, he hasn't had any foot ailments as of yet. But unfortunately for big men, foot injuries have historically been a pain in the ass -- just ask Yao Ming, Joel Embiid, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Chet Holmgren to name a few.
Aside from Wemby's feet, Gil isn't worried that Victor's thin frame will affect him in the pros ... explaining he's been playing against people stronger than him his whole life and turned out fine.
San Antonio Spurs Win Victor Wembanyama Sweepstakes, Get First Pick In NBA Draft
The Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery ... meaning they can select Wembanyama with the first pick in June -- and it sounds like Arenas thinks San Antonio will be getting a future all-time great if they take Victor.
But let's be real, the dude's gonna be a Spur.
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San Antonio Spurs Win Wembanyama Sweepstakes ... First Pick In Draft
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It's a helluva night to be a Spurs fan ... San Antonio just came away with the first pick in the NBA Draft Lottery -- AKA the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes -- paving the way for the organization to draft the hottest prospect since LeBron James!!
The lottery just went down in Chicago ... and when all the ping pong balls settled, the Spurs were the last team called, which means they get first dibs on the 7'2" player from France in June's draft.
Wembanyama has impressed NBA scouts with his ability to create a shot off the dribble and run the fast break, which is rare for a man his size. He's any GM's dream come true ... and some actually consider him the most coveted prospect EVER.
Victor Wembanyama just secured the scoring title in his teams win today:
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) May 16, 2023 @BradeauxNBA
22 PTS (9/11 2PT) | 9 REB | 2 AST | 2 BLK
He finished the season averaging 21.6 PPG ⭐️
pic.twitter.com/C2Z99noCRS
In fact, we recently spoke to Sonny Vaccaro -- the man behind Michael Jordan's legendary Nike deal -- and he told us Wembanyama has the type of talent that could land him an unprecedented sneaker deal.
Of the 30 NBA teams, 14 had a chance (albeit different percentages) to land the big man, but it was ultimately the Spurs who walked away with the coveted lottery pick.
Wembanyama reacted right after the announcement ... saying he wants to win championships as soon as possible.
Congrats, San Antonio!
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Ja Morant Gives 11-Year-Old Jersey, Sneakers After Signed Ball Was Stolen
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Grizzlies star Ja Morant gave a young fan his game-worn jersey and Ja 1 sneakers from Wednesday night's showdown against the Spurs ... after her autographed basketball was sadly stolen Monday night at the FedEx Forum.
Ellie Hughes, an 11-year-old Grizzlies fan, was at the Grizzlies-Spurs game Monday night ... and was trying to get Ja's attention when she laid the signed basketball down.
When Ellie looked back up, the basketball was gone. Ellie has been to every Grizzlies' home game with her grandfather since she was five, and the ball had a ton of sentimental value since she had been collecting signatures from players after games, according to actionnews5.com.
Enter Ja ... the 23-year-old discovered what happened to Ellie and wanted to help make things right for her and her family.
The Hughes family was at FedEx Forum again Wednesday ... and after the game, Morant got some facetime with the youngster, where he gifted her his jersey and sneakers.
You can't beat moments like this 💙@JaMorant | #BigMemphis pic.twitter.com/emDNe6fwME
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) January 12, 2023 @GrizzOnBally
“I was trying to get in contact w the fam," Morant said in his postgame interview. "I reached out & offered them two of the courtside seats that I give to my fam & told them after the game I would give my jersey & shoes."
"Definitely a good feeling to have them there supporting us and see that smile on their face at the end," he added.
In addition to the jersey and Ja 1 kicks Ellie received, she also got to watch Morant drop 38 points ... en route to the Grizzlies' 135-129 win over San Antonio.
Way to go, Ja!!
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LeBron James '13 Finals Jersey Hitting Auction ... Could Fetch $3 Mil!!!
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The threads LeBron James wore as he secured his second NBA Finals MVP can be yours -- but ya better have some serious coin layin' around to pay for it!!
Sotheby's Auction tells TMZ Sports ... the King's Game 7 jersey from the classic 2013 series against the Spurs is hitting the block -- and could come with a price tag of over $3 MILLION!!!
James wore the #6 red and white gear in the first half of the thrilling contest -- the first Game 7 of his NBA Finals career -- and Sotheby's officials say it's "the most valuable LeBron James jersey to ever be offered at auction and among the most valuable jerseys of all time."
LeBron James Plays Madden, Sips Lobos In Empty SoFi, Early Birthday Gift
Nearly a decade ago, LBJ and the Miami Heat beat San Antonio 98-88 in the finale of the 2013 NBA Finals -- making it James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade's second-straight championship together.
'Bron won his second Finals MVP in the process ... locking in the honor after scoring 37 points and adding 12 rebounds.
"This game ranks as one of the most important performances of LeBron's career, during what has been widely debated as his greatest NBA season," Sotheby's officials said.
Bidding starts on January 27 ... good luck!
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Joshua Primo, Spurs Therapist Settles Lawsuit With Player, Team
The therapist who claimed Joshua Primo exposed himself to her on multiple occasions has now settled her lawsuit with the former San Antonio Spurs player and the NBA org. ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.
The woman's attorney, Tony Buzbee, said in a statement Thursday afternoon all parties "agreed to resolve this matter." Details of the settlement were not released.
The lawsuit was initially filed just two weeks ago in Bexar County, Texas -- and in it, Hillary Cauthen accused Primo of wrongdoing nine separate times.
She said he would expose his genitals to her during individual private sessions -- each time growing "progressively more extreme."
Therapist Claims NBA Player Exposed Himself Several Times, Josh Primo Denies
Cauthen claimed in her suit that she complained about Primo's behavior to Spurs officials, but said they turned a blind eye to it and refused to punish the 19-year-old because he was an up-and-coming player with big potential.
She sued for unspecified damages.
For Primo's part, his attorney William J. Briggs II, said in a statement shortly after the lawsuit's filing that the basketball player never intentionally exposed himself to Cauthen. He called her allegations "either a complete fabrication, a gross embellishment or utter fantasy."
Primo was waived by the Spurs on Oct. 28. He's yet to sign on with a new team.
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Jimmy Garoppolo Warriors Dancers Show QB Love ... C-Mac, Kittle Who?!
Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle learned the hard way ... if you don't want to be completely ignored, never go anywhere with Jimmy Garoppolo!
The 49ers stars sat courtside for the Warriors-Spurs game Monday night ... and the Golden State dancers couldn't get enough of the handsome quarterback.
Can't say the same for his star teammates, though.
They were loving Jimmy G 😂 pic.twitter.com/AxOK7Mswrk
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2022 @NBCSWarriors
While Jimmy G sat in his floor seat, the Warriors dancers gave him a warm welcome, shaking hands and literally making the 31-year-old blush.
In addition to Jimmy, George, and Christian ... star fullback Kyle Juszczyk was also with the boys.
This 49ers gathering came a day after the squad's insane comeback win against the L.A. Chargers, bringing the team to 5-4. They're currently in 2nd place in the NFC West, behind the 6-4 Seahawks.
Fans have come a long way since the start of the season ... when Trey Lance was under center, and many fans wanted Garoppolo shipped out of town.
But now, it's all love in the Bay!