SAN ANTONIO — Police have launched an investigation into allegations that former San Antonio Spurs guard Joshua Primo repeatedly exposed himself to his former team’s therapist during counseling.
Dr. Hilary Corten filed a lawsuit against Spurs and Primo, claiming a 19-year-old exposed her genitals nine times during multiple sessions.
In addition to the civil lawsuit filed Thursday in Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, Cozen also filed a criminal lawsuit against Primo.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office told the Associated Press that it had “contacted victims involved in the Joshua Primo case.”
In her lawsuit, the team’s former performance psychologist said, “Despite her numerous complaints about Primo’s inappropriate sexual behavior,” the Spurs will not chastise Primo or address her concerns. He said he did nothing.
Cozen said he informed and requested a meeting with Spurs general manager Brian Wright after Primo’s first lewd revelation incident in December 2021. Despite her concerns, she continued to consult Primo.
Cozen said her role with the team was marginalized in the months that followed, and her contract was not renewed in August.
Cozen was angered and confused that Primo faced no discipline for his actions until the Spurs released him an hour before their home game against Chicago on October 28. Primo cleared the wave on Monday but has not signed with another team.
In a statement released shortly after Cosen’s press conference, Spurs CEO RC Buford said the franchise disagreed with “the accuracy of the facts, details and timelines presented today.”
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said before Friday night’s game against the Clippers when he was first informed of Primo’s alleged behavior and what the Spurs did or didn’t do. He said he could not comment. Popovich said the Spurs have long worked to maintain a healthy work environment.
“I should add that anyone who has been following the Spurs for a very long time knows that accusations like this are taken very seriously,” Popovich said. I am confident that the management staff men and women dealing with this have done it deliberately, efficiently, quickly and with great care. I am leaving this comment to make sure that everyone involved, the accuser, the accused, the people in the organization, feel comfortable and safe.”
Popovich has been an outspoken advocate for civil rights and various social causes. Claims that the Spurs turned a blind eye to Cosen’s accusations have troubled the team’s fans.
Popovich said, “All I can say to the fans is consider the statement I just made about how we’ve handled things over the years.” Just like I think they know intellectually it’s in the hands of lawyers we can’t say anything it cuts off pretty much everything time passes I imagine the details will come along with them.To come out, they always do.Everyone has to wait for it.”
