Zion Williamson is being asked to admit that his parents received illegal benefits to influence him to attend Nike-sponsored Duke University or an adidas-backed school.
Gaming law and sports betting attorney Daniel Wallach has shared new court documents highlighting the allegations made by Williamson's former agent, Gina Ford of Prime Sports Marketing. The documents state that his mother, Sharonda Sampson, and stepfather, Lee Anderson, "demanded and received gifts, money and/or other benefits" on his behalf.
Subsequently, Williamson is being asked to answer — under oath — whether or not he received “money, benefits, favors or other things of value” to attend Duke and use Nike or adidas products.
A highly touted recruit, Williamson played one year of NCAA basketball at Duke University. Following a standout freshman season — albeit plagued with injury — he went on to become the number one overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft.
In July of 2019, the now 19-year-old athlete signed a record-breaking $75 million deal with Nike and Jordan Brand, serving as the biggest sneaker deal ever for a rookie.