2023 is turning out to be one of the worst years in Zion Williamson’s life. Whether it’s coming back from a season-ending injury, or dealing with the allegations made by Moriah Mills, it’s one thing after another. Surely things will start looking up for the Zion and his camp soon, right? Well, in the words of a famous movie quote:
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
The New Orleans Pelicans star, along with his family, is now being sued for failing to repay $1.8 million in loans to Ankr PBC. News was initially reported by sports law reporter Jason Morrin over on Twitter. Or should I say ” X ” now?
Ankr and Zion previously discussed entering potential business relations with each other back in May 2021. During those negotiations, he allegedly had told the company to work with his step-father, Lee Anderson, going forward when it comes to facilitating business partnerships.
Here are some more details about the lawsuit below:
“While negotiations were proceeding, Ankr provided a variety of services for the benefit of Williamson, coordinated through Anderson. Ankr organized local media for community events and identified a physical trainer and a personal chef to provide services for Williamson. Ankr coordinated these arrangements directly with Anderson for Williamson’s benefit. Ankr also witnessed Anderson negotiating business deals with other prospective partners for the benefit of Williamson,” The lawsuit stated.
Anderson allegedly paid off $500,000 of the loan on April 25, 2023, according to WWL’s Harry Howard, and he told Ankr on July 7, 2023, that he would immediately pay off the remaining loan.
Since being sidelined back in January for a hamstring injury, Zion missed the remainder of the 2023 NBA season. He had been ruled out of the Pelicans’ Play-In Tournament against the Oklahoma-City Thunder, who ended up putting together a 123-118 victory over the Pels. Effectively putting an end to what started out as a promising year for head coach Willie Green and the Pels faithful.
NEW: Zion Williamson sued for breach of contract after alleged failure to repay $2M loan from @ankr.
A big issue in the case will be whether co-defendant Lee Anderson, Williamson's step-father, had authority to enter into contracts on Williamson's behalf. Rocky 2023 for Zion. pic.twitter.com/sQpPccY7qY
— Jason Morrin (@Jason_Morrin) July 26, 2023
Details about the loan below.
Ankr alleges that is also provided a variety of services for the benefit of Williamson, including identifying a physical trainer and personal chef, organizing community and media events, and negotiating various business deals for Williamson. pic.twitter.com/YZo40qkG5U
— Jason Morrin (@Jason_Morrin) July 26, 2023