Spurs Learned of Accusation Against Josh Primo in January, Lawsuit Says

The Spurs recently waived shooting guard and former lottery pick Josh Primo following allegations that he had exposed himself to at least one woman.

But according to a lawsuit filed by Tony Buzbee, the Spurs have known about the allegations since the start of the year. Buzbee is the same attorney who represented massage therapists who accused NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct.

Now, Buzbee is saying that Primo exposed himself to Dr. Hillary Cauthen in December 2021, with Cauthen reporting it to Spurs management a month later. Cauthen is a sports psychologist.

“Primo repeatedly exposed his genitals (nine times in total) to Dr. Cauthen during individual private sessions, despite her numerous complains about Primo’s improper sexual conduct to the organization’s leadership,” the suit claims.

The Spurs exercised the 2023-24 contract option on Primo in October.

The suit goes on to claim that the organization “ignored her repeated reports of indecent exposure on the part of Primo,” costing her what the suit called “her dream job.”

Primo, 19, cleared waivers and entered free agency on Oct. 31. 

“I know that you all are surprised by today’s announcement,” Primo said in a statement on the day he was waived, via ESPN. “I’ve been seeking help to deal with previous trauma I suffered and will now take this time to focus on my mental health treatment more fully. I hope to be able to discuss these issues in the future so I can help others who have suffered in a similar way. I appreciate privacy at this time.”

Primo was selected by the Spurs with the No. 12 overall pick out of Alabama in the 2021 NBA Draft. He appeared in 50 games as a rookie, averaging 5.8 points on 37 percent shooting, also spending some time with the Austin Spurs of the G League.

He played the first four games of this season and averaged 7.0 points. As relayed by Shams Charania of The Athletic, he is owed owed $8.4 million over the next two years.

Lawsuit states that "at least 2 other incidents of exposure have occurred involving Primo (one apparently in Nevada and one in Minnesota).

Cauthen made her first report about Primo's conduct to Spurs management in Jan. 2022, according to the lawsuit.

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) November 3, 2022

“It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interest of both the organization and Joshua,” said Spurs Sports & Entertainment CEO RC Buford. “The Spurs organization, including front office executives, coaching staff and players, will have no additional comments to share at this time.”