Spurs fan files lawsuit against Pachulia, Warriors for Leonard injury
One supporter of the San Antonio Spurs isn't willing to let the Golden State Warriors off the hook for what happened to All-Star Kawhi Leonard in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Juan Vasquez filed a lawsuit against the Warriors and center Zaza Pachulia on Tuesday on behalf of Spurs season-ticket holders, as well as San Antonio card shop What's On Second. One of its demands is a temporary restraining order against the defendants, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Nick Moyle.
"All we are asking from the court is that this type of behavior, that can and does cause serious injury to our team and those that love it, not be allowed in San Antonio," said lead attorney Alfonso Kennard Jr.
The incident in question occurred roughly midway through the third quarter Sunday when Pachulia undercut Leonard while he was in the air on a jumper, further damaging his already injured ankle.
Leonard sat out the remainder of the game as the Warriors overcame a 25-point deficit to defeat the Spurs, 113-111. Golden State then blew out San Antonio on Tuesday in Game 2, 136-100, with Leonard ruled out because of his injury.
The suit says Pachulia "acted without excuse or justification, intentionally and maliciously invaded the landing zone of an opposing athlete, Kawhi Leonard."
By doing so, the complaint says Pachulia "devastated the quality of the Spurs' chances of being competitive and having additional games in their home arena, both in the Western Conference finals and also potentially in the NBA Finals." The suit also blames Pachulia for a negative impact on ticket values.
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The plaintiffs' demands include the following, writes Moile:
- Judgment against defendants for a sum within the jurisdictional limits of the court for all their actual and exemplary damages in a sum determined by the trier of fact but in no event greater than $73,000.00
- A temporary restraining order be issued without notice to defendants and that defendants and others named herein be restrained from engaging in the conduct described above
- Such other and further relief to which plaintiffs may be justly entitled.