New Orleans Pelicans: Will Zion Williamson’s Court Case be a Distraction?

The New Orleans Pelicans are hoping for a quick resolution to Zion Williamson’s court case, which could become a distraction if it lingers.

When Zion Williamson returned to the New Orleans Pelicans, he had the entire NBA buzzing, so the young Pels are going to have to get used to the spotlight that comes with being good.

Flying under the radar during this pandemic, protests over police brutality and re-start to the season is that Zion Williamson has been waging his own battle in court.

It has gotten ugly at times, with Zion’s ex-marketing manager, Gina Ford, claiming Zion accepted improper benefits and demanding discovery.

Now Ford is coming after Zion’s parents.

According to ESPN, Ford’s attorneys are seeking discovery about Zion Williamson’s family’s living arrangements before and while he was at Duke. Ford claims that Zion’s parents upgraded their living situation substantially after Zion agreed to sign with Duke.

The reason this is important is that Ford is trying to prove that Zion Williamson was ineligible the entire time he was at Duke, thus she was not subject to the agent laws of North Carolina, which say an agent must be registered with the state.

The Zion Williamson court drama could be a distraction for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Zion has stayed completely silent on the matter, allowing his attorneys to do the talking, but now that the case is focusing on his parents, it might be harder to hold his tongue.

The Pelicans are probably hoping this will all be wrapped up before the season re-starts in July, but that is unlikely, so Zion is certain to get some questions and he won’t be able to hide behind his lawyers.

This case has far-reaching implications for Duke University, Coach K, the NCAA and Nike, all of whom were allegedly involved in giving Zion Williamson improper gifts.

The case is sure to re-open the debate about whether NCAA athletes should be paid and why it’s ok for coaches to sign multi-million dollar contracts while the players get nothing.

The young New Orleans Pelicans will be focused on making the playoffs, but it will be hard for their star not to be distracted when his mother is involved.

This will be one of the ongoing storylines to watch when teams head to NBA Disney.