Kings facing lawsuit from former trainer over discrimination, harassment claims

A former Kings athletic trainer has filed a lawsuit against the organization alleging pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination.

Crystal Lee, who worked for the Kings from 2022-25, filed the suit against the team and senior director of athletic health Jaspreet Randhawa, according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, via Hoops Rumors.

Lee alleges that her role and responsibilities were reduced after she became pregnant in 2023. According to the lawsuit, she was moved from assistant athletic trainer to an administrative position while pregnant and eventually was no longer permitted to travel with the team or work directly with players.

The lawsuit alleges Randhawa told Lee, “You’re f—ed,” after learning she was pregnant and said her life “is ruined after you have kids.” Lee also claims another staff member later told her that Randhawa attributed her reduced responsibilities to “the baby.”

Lee alleges she raised concerns with Kings general manager Scott Perry in May 2025 and was told that “complainers will not be tolerated.” She was fired the following month, according to the suit.

The lawsuit also includes allegations of sexual harassment involving Kings coach Doug Christie, who was an assistant at the time, and Cameron Brown, the son of former coach Mike Brown. Christie and Perry are not defendants in the lawsuit.

The Kings denied the allegations.

“The Sacramento Kings categorically deny these allegations and reject the characterization of the organization and its workplace reflected in these claims made by a disgruntled former employee,” team attorney Alexis Gabrielson said in a statement.

Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee reported, citing team sources, that Lee did not report the alleged sexual advances while employed by the organization. Those sources also said Lee requested the change in her role and continued receiving the same compensation.