Pelicans exec makes Zion Williamson stance clear after bombshell rape allegations
The rape allegations against Zion Williamson are not affecting the Pelicans' plans for his future with the organization.
While new executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said he had been 'advised not to venture into any of his legal issues' in an interview with The Times-Picayune, he made it clear the team intends to build around its former No. 1 overall pick.
'I've had really good conversations with Zion,' Dumars, the former Pistons title-winning executive, said Wednesday. 'We've had lunch. Dinner. Watched playoff games together. We've done it all. I've had some real, honest conversations with him. Some real direct and honest conversations.
'We're going to go forward with Zion. He's going to continue to be a focal point here as we go forward.'
4 Zion Williamson during a March 2025 game.
NBAE via Getty Images
Williamson's standing with the franchise came into question following the bombshell rape allegations made against him in a lawsuit filed last week by woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend.
The woman, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, alleges the forward raped her twice in 2020 and 'continued to abuse, rape, assault and batter plaintiff' until their relationship ended in 2023.
On Sept. 23, 2020, the woman alleges Williamson 'pinned Plaintiff down on the bed with her hands behind her back and raped her' after she refused to have sex with him.
Williamson is also alleged to have called her 'stuck up' and a 'b—h.'
Roughly one month later on Oct. 10, amid a discussion about Doe possibly visiting a friend, Williamson is alleged to have 'picked her up, threw her down to the ground, and pinned her shoulders down so she could not move,' and then 'violently raped Plaintiff in multiple ways.'
4 The Pelicans recently hired Joe Dumars as their executive VP of basketball operations.
AP
The woman is seeking between $18 million to $50 million, according to ESPN.
Williamson denied the allegations, and his legal counsel said they planned to file counterclaims and 'seek significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit.'
'We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless,' Williamson's legal counsel told The Post in late May. 'This is the plaintiff's third set of attorneys. This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.'
4 Williamson represented the Pelicans at the NBA Draft Lottery.
NBAE via Getty Images
While Dumars did not comment on the lawsuit, Pelicans owner Gayle Benson addressed the topic Tuesday but did not offer much.
'You know, lawsuits are lawsuits,' Benson said, according to The Times-Picayune. 'You really can't … You don't know. I mean people can sue you for anything. There's no reason you can be innocent or not. It's just something that people do, unfortunately.'
Before this lawsuit emerged, the Pelicans reportedly had been open to moving anyone on the roster in their attempt to build a winner after missing the playoffs for the fourth time in Williamson's six seasons.
4 Zion Williamson missed 52 games last season.
Getty Images
Dumars, though, said that sending Williamson to the NBA Draft Lottery in May — before the lawsuit's unveiling — showed the team's commitment to him.
The Pelicans will pick seventh in the upcoming draft.
'I sent him to the lottery for a reason,' Dumars told the publication. 'I want him to start focusing on the responsibilities of being the best player here and the focal point. There are some responsibilities that come with that. Go represent your organization.'
Any revival in New Orleans will need Williamson to be healthy and productive, the former having been a major issue since he landed with the franchise after starring at Duke.
Though Williamson has averaged 24.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in his career, he's appeared in 60 or more games just twice in six seasons.
Williamson, 24, played in just 30 games this past season and missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a foot injury. He's appeared in just 214 games.
'We've had some real direct conversations with him about that,' Dumars said, per the outlet. 'Expectations. Accountability. That's our plan going forward with Zion.'
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Forbes
13 hours ago
- Forbes
Inside The 2025 BAL Playoffs, Meet The Final Eight Contenders
KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 17: A generic picture of the arena before the game between the Armee ... More Patriotique and the Nairobi City Thunder during the Nile Conference Group 2025 Basketball Africa League game on May 17, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Theo Kine/NBAE via Getty Images) The stage is set in Pretoria for the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs and Finals, bringing together the best of African basketball under one electrifying spotlight. Eight of the continent's elite clubs have converged in South Africa's capital, each with a unique story to tell, from unbeaten streaks to underdog determination, from redemption arcs to debut dreams. With legacies on the line and the championship within reach, this year's playoffs promise intense matchups, standout individual performances, and strategic masterclasses. Two teams arrive undefeated, exuding confidence, while others, having faced past exits, are eager for a second chance. Additionally, there are the newcomers, fearless, fast, and ready to shake things up. Here's a closer look at the contenders shaping the 2025 BAL title race, featuring insights from media day, where players and coaches shared their mindsets, strategies, and determination as they head into the playoffs. Egyptian champions Al Ittihad come in undefeated, their perfect 6-0 record underscoring a dominant debut season. Their coach, Fouad Abou Chakra, reflected on the physical toll of a gruelling domestic schedule but stressed the importance of regaining rhythm: 'We just finished our league with five games in eight days, so it was hard. Our goal now is to regain our team shape and chemistry again. We were in good shape in Morocco, and we want to do it again here.' Al Ittihad's offensive efficiency is among the league's best, boasting the highest true shooting percentage (.577) and a lethal transition game which will only get better with the addition of Jo Lual Acuil who was The 2024 BAL Season's MVP and Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-BAL First Team. RABAT, MOROCCO - APRIL 10: George King #15 of Al Ittihad Alexandria celebrates during the game ... More against the Stade Malien on April 10, 2025 Rabat, Morocco. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Theo Kine/NBAE via Getty Images) Former NBA guard George King shed light on their post-season mindset: "We'll take what we did in the first conference and continue to build on that. We have a new talented player on our team, and we're integrating him while focusing on defense and running the floor as we did in Morocco." King took a trip to Rwanda following the conclusion of the Kalahari Conference and was able to watch the Nile Conference games both as a fan as well as a competitor preparing for today's very moment: 'In Kigali, I watched as a fan and scout to understand our competition here in South Africa. I'm sharing that insight with the team to give us an advantage.' Their biggest test will likely come from fellow unbeaten side Al Ahli Tripoli, who mirror their record and boast an explosive offense. Coach Abou Chakra tempered expectations with pragmatism: 'All the teams that qualified are really great teams. Al Ahli Tripoli went 6-0 just like us and have great players. But this game is about your preparation for the next game.' KIGALI, Rwanda - MAY 25: Jacques Boissy #5 of Al Ahli Tripoli celebrates during the game against ... More Made By Ball Basketball during the Nile Conference group play on May 25, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) Making a sensational BAL debut, Al Ahli Tripoli has done the opposite of flying under the radar with their perfect 6-0 run. Their style is fast-paced and high-scoring, the league's quickest team averaging over 100 points per game. The Senegalese guard Jean Jacques Boissy leads the league in scoring with 23.8 PPG, coming off the bench to underscore their impressive depth. Their efficiency in shooting and ball movement marks them as a formidable opponent. They may be newcomers, but their balance and composure have them quietly threatening to upset any favourite. DIAMNIADIO, SENEGAL - MAY 1: Radhouane Slimane #45 of U.S. Monastir handles the ball during the game ... More against Petro de Luanda during the Sahara Conference Group on May 1, 2025 at Dakar Arena in Diamniadia, Senegal. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) The 2022 BAL champions enter the playoffs with a blend of confidence and resilience. Moving past injury setbacks in previous seasons which may have dampened their chances, veteran Radhouane Slimane is optimistic about the team's overall growth: 'This team has matured a lot since our first games; we've learned from past experiences and are more focused now.' Slimane also emphasised the key to success on the court noting that no two days are the same and one cannot rest on their offensive laurels: 'Defense is the main key; if we're not strong defensively, our talent alone won't be enough to compete.' Coach Vasco Curado's stepwise approach is to not get too carried away with looking at the trophy but to attack each day as it comes, from the seeding games and beyond: 'Our goal is to be in the best shape for the quarterfinals and then focus step-by-step toward the final.' Monastir's defense remains a hallmark, boasting the lowest opponent field goal percentage and an elite block rate, supported by their local core. DIAMNIADIO, SENEGAL - MAY 4: Aboubacar Gakou #15 of Petro de Luanda celebrates during the game ... More against Kriol Star Basketball during the Sahara Conference Group on May 4, 2025 at Dakar Arena in Diamniadia, Senegal. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) Defending champions Petro de Luanda carry the burden of expectation with calm confidence. Veteran center Yannick Moreira, who is the only player to have won titles in the G-League, the BAL, and the FIBA Champions League knows better than most how to manage the pressure: "Every team is hunting us because we have something they want, but we are well-prepared and well-coached." The Angolan's suffocating defense tops the league in steals and defensive rating, anchored by experienced players such as Glofate Buiamba and Childe Dundao. Newcomer and the only player with a home court advantage, Samkelo Cele is eager to contribute: "The transition was easy because I'm just here to play basketball. It's a good challenge to be part of a winning program." Petro's balanced blend of youth and experience positions them as a perennial threat. RABAT, MOROCCO - APRIL 12: Johnathan Devanate Jordan #1 of FUS de Rabat dribbles the ball during the ... More game against the Stade Malien during the Kalahari Conference on April 12, 2025 Rabat, Morocco. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) After an early exit last year as the number one seed, Moroccan champions FUS de Rabat walk into Pretoria with renewed determination and a different perspective. Coach Said El Bouzidi expressed the team's motivation: 'Last year we were the first seed, but we got eliminated early. This year, we want to erase that image and be more efficient.' The Moroccan Champions spent the weeks leading up to the Playoffs making various adjustments to the vulnerabilities that the Kalahari Conference exposed in their armour through their domestic league and have a new lease on life. Point guard John Jordan described the emotional rollercoaster of qualification, which was only confirmed after the last regular season game between Rwanda's APR and Kenya's Nairobi City Thunder: 'It was an emotional rollercoaster watching other conferences, some days it felt like we'd get in, others not. On the last day, I did the math and realised we'd definitely qualify.' FUS's defensive discipline and clutch veteran leadership will be crucial as they seek to turn promise into performance. KIGALI, Rwanda - MAY 25: Obadiah Noel #1 of Armee Patriotique shoots a three point basket during ... More the game against the Nairobi City Thunder during the Nile Conference group play on May 25, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Theo Kine/NBAE via Getty Images) APR make their first playoff appearance following a thrilling Nile Conference in front of their home crowd. APR along with Al Ahli Tripoli had the quickest turnaround and shortest preparation time for the post-season, having completed the Nile Conference just 12 days ago. APR was riddled with injury during that conference, so their full ceiling remains unknown. Their number 6 seed allows them to fly under the radar but they should not be underestimated. Coach James Maye Jr. emphasised team adjustments and freshness as their priority in the last week and a half: 'We had to clean up habits and keep our guys fresh and sharp to give ourselves the best chance to win.' The East African champions will be fuelled by the late addition of forward Nuni Omot, who was the BAL's 2023 MVP with Al Ahly SC. 'I'm excited to be back. The BAL has grown tremendously and has so much room to continue growing. Being part of this as a player and as someone from the continent is huge.' APR plays a high-tempo, assist-heavy style but must improve free-throw shooting to maximise their defensive strengths. DIAMNIADIO, SENEGAL - MAY 4: Ivan Almeida #23 of Kriol Star Basketball looks on during the game ... More against Petro de Luanda during the Sahara Conference Group on May 4, 2025 at Dakar Arena in Diamniadia, Senegal. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) Making history as Cape Verde's first BAL playoff team, Kriol Star embodies grit and determination, exemplifying the spirit of possibility in African basketball. One player to watch is Lewis Uwvo, an NBA Elevate player who played 40 of the 45 minutes in their final conference game and tipped in the ball that secured their ticket to Pretoria. Kriol Star plays a full four-quarter game with physicality and heart, ready to light up the playoffs. "The Sahara Conference was probably the most competitive BAL conference ever," shared Coach Hugo Salgado."Every team had a chance to qualify until the last day, showing how strong the competition was." Coach Hugo Salgado credits their unity and ambition as what helped them make it through: 'We are now among the best eight teams in Africa. Everybody is going to have a word to say. We have quality, and we are candidates for the title. We're here to fight every game like in the Sahara Conference.' After falling just short in last year's semifinals, Rivers Hoopers return to the playoffs with a renewed edge and a sharpened sense of purpose. 'Last year in the semifinals, we had the ball on the last possession and didn't execute well,' recalled captain Kelvin Amayo. 'This time, we will be clinical and efficient.' That painful memory has fuelled their recalibration and every decision since has been made with execution and endurance in mind. RABAT, MOROCCO - APRIL 12: Peter Olisemeka #14 of the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club looks on during ... More the game against the Al Ittihad Alexandria during the Kalahari Conference on April 12, 2025 Rabat, Morocco. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) 2024 BAL Coach of the Year Ogoh Odaudu took deliberate steps to address the team's shortcomings, particularly the fatigue and defensive inconsistencies that showed in Morocco. 'We needed to address the deficiencies we faced while playing in Morocco earlier this season,' he said. 'Ahmed Doumbia is very defensive-minded and a beast on offense. We brought him to assist Kelvin with defensive duties in the backcourt.' The strategic additions not only bolster the roster's depth but are designed to maintain high-level performance without overburdening key players down the stretch. Peter Olisemeka has remained the defensive anchor of the Kings Men. His rebounding has been unmatched, with 68 total boards across six games, the most in the regular season. He set a season-high with 17 rebounds in a single outing. However, their 94–77 loss to Al Ittihad Alexandria in Rabat, despite his dominance, made it clear that one man's effort wasn't enough. Now reinforced, deeper, and with a collective focus on efficiency, Rivers Hoopers are not just chasing redemption, they're gunning for Nigeria's first BAL title with clinical intent. As these eight teams embark on the playoff journey, the mix of unbeaten records, championship experience, redemption arcs, and debut dreams guarantees thrilling basketball. For newcomers like Kriol Star and Al Ahli Tripoli, it's about seizing the moment on the biggest stage in African basketball. With talent, heart, and history on the line, the 2025 BAL Playoffs promise drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. Let the games begin.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
High school sprinter stripped of state title after celebration is deemed unsportsmanlike
North Salinas sophomore Clara Adams, center, wins a preliminary heat in the girls' 400 meters Friday at the CIF State Track & Field Championships in Clovis. She finished first in the finals the next day but was stripped of the title because of a celebration that was deemed by meet officials to be unsportsmanlike. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times) North Salinas High sophomore Clara Adams ran the fastest time in the girls' 400-meter finals at the CIF State Track & Field Finals last weekend. She crossed the finish line .28 seconds ahead of her closest competitor. Advertisement But Adams is not the state champion. She was stripped of that title after she used a fire extinguisher to spray her cleats while on the field inside the track moments after the race. "I was robbed," Adams, 16, told The Times shortly after being disqualified from that event as well the 200 finals, which took place later in the meet. Adams said CIF officials told her that she was being disqualified because she had been "unsportsmanlike," but that's not how she saw it at all. "I was having fun," Adams said, noting her win in the 400 marked her first state title. "I'd never won something like that before, and they took it away from me. I didn't do anything wrong." Advertisement She added: "I worked really hard for it and they took it from me, and I don't know what to do." Days later, David Adams, who said he is the sprint coach at North Salinas, told The Times his daughter was "doing better" but still trying to cope with everything that unfolded Saturday afternoon at Buchanan High in Clovis. Read more: Transgender track athlete wins gold in California state championships despite Trump threat 'Clara's hurt. She's hurt right now," David Adams said Wednesday. "She's better today than Saturday. Saturday was fresh. It just happened. It was a shock. She felt numb. They made her sit there and watch while they put those other girls on the podium, knowing Clara's the fastest 400-meter runner in the state of California.' Advertisement Clara Adams has been running competitively since age 6, her father said. She finished fourth in the 400 at last year's state meet and won the event with a state-best time of 53.23 at the Central Coast Section championships last month. After posting the top qualifying time in Friday's preliminaries, Adams surged ahead of Madison Mosby of St. Mary's Academy in Inglewood to win the race with a time of 53.24. Immediately afterward, Adams walked over to the wall in front of the stands and found her father, who reached down and handed her what he described as a "small" fire extinguisher. She then walked back across the track into the grass, where she sprayed her cleats as if she was putting out a fire — a move her father said was a tribute to former U.S. sprinter Maurice Greene, who similarly celebrated his win in the 100 at the 2004 Home Depot Invitational in Carson. CIF officials apparently were not amused and disqualified Adams on the spot, awarding first place to Mosby. According to rules established by the National Federation of State High School Assns., "unsporting conduct" is defined as behavior that includes but is not limited to 'disrespectfully addressing an official, any flagrant behavior, intentional contact, taunting, criticizing or using profanity directed toward someone.' The penalty is disqualification from the event in which the behavior took place and further competition in the meet. The CIF did not respond to a request for comment from The Times. Advertisement According to David Adams, the officials 'were really nasty" toward his daughter. They "tugged on her arm," he said, "they were screaming in her face. I could hear it from where I was at. I could see it — I couldn't hear exactly what they were saying, but they were just really nasty." Read more: Long Beach Poly boys' 4x400 relay team shines at state track and field championships Clara Adams said she specifically asked the officials to speak with her father about the disqualification, but they refused. "They kept telling me, 'It's OK,' and I was telling them, 'It's not OK,' and they didn't care," she said. "They were trying to smile in my face, like them telling me 'no' amused them or something." Advertisement David Adams said the officials would only speak to North Salinas head coach Alan Green, who declined to speak to The Times for this story. 'They told him that it was unsportsmanlike conduct," David Adams said of the officials' discussion with Green. "We were asking for the rule, the specific rule of what she did, and they didn't really give anything. It was more of a gray area that gives them discretion to pick and choose what they feel is unsportsmanlike conduct." Read more: Prep talk: Birmingham's Antrell Harris reaches peak form with 10.24 in 100 meters Adams disputes that his daughter behaved in a manner that could be considered unsportsmanlike. Advertisement "Looking at the film, Clara is nowhere near any opponent," he said. "She's off the track, on the grass. Her opponents are long gone off the track already, so she wasn't in their face. It was a father-daughter moment. ... She did it off the track because she didn't want to seem disrespectful toward nobody. And they still found a reason to take her title away. They didn't give her a warning or anything.' He added that his daughter is a "very humble, really sweet kid." "I take responsibility for the situation. I'm taking full responsibility," he said. "Clara has run several championship races and won and walked off the track. It's just weird that she celebrates one time and now people, these strangers, these middle-aged people want to chase after her character?" Greene, the four-time Olympic medalist who inspired Clara's celebration, told KSBW-TV in Salinas that the CIF should reconsider its decision. Advertisement Read more: Greene, Jones Run Like Wind at Carson "If [the celebration] was away from everyone and not interfering with anyone, I would say reinstate her," Greene said. David Adams said he is trying to make that happen but so far the CIF won't return his calls . 'We have an attorney on standby right now," he said. "I don't want to take it there, but I will fight this all the way. As long as I'm breathing I'm gonna fight it. But we're trying to go through proper channels to give the CIF an opportunity to do the right thing. Having an attorney involved is our last resort, that means we tried everything.' Advertisement Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Los Angeles Times
High school sprinter stripped of state title after celebration is deemed unsportsmanlike
North Salinas High sophomore Clara Adams ran the fastest time in the girls' 400-meter finals at the CIF State Track & Field Finals last weekend. She crossed the finish line .28 seconds ahead of her closest competitor. But Adams is not the state champion. She was stripped of that title after she used a fire extinguisher to spray her cleats while on the field inside the track moments after the race. 'I was robbed,' Adams, 16, told The Times shortly after being disqualified from that event as well the 200 finals, which took place later in the meet. Adams said CIF officials told her that she was being disqualified because she had been 'unsportsmanlike,' but that's not how she saw it at all. 'I was having fun,' Adams said, noting her win in the 400 marked her first state title. 'I'd never won something like that before, and they took it away from me. I didn't do anything wrong.' She added: 'I worked really hard for it and they took it from me, and I don't know what to do.' Days later, David Adams, who said he is the sprint coach at North Salinas, told The Times his daughter was 'doing better' but still trying to cope with everything that unfolded Saturday afternoon at Buchanan High in Clovis. 'Clara's hurt. She's hurt right now,' David Adams said Wednesday. 'She's better today than Saturday. Saturday was fresh. It just happened. It was a shock. She felt numb. They made her sit there and watch while they put those other girls on the podium, knowing Clara's the fastest 400-meter runner in the state of California.' Clara Adams has been running competitively since age 6, her father said. She finished fourth in the 400 at last year's state meet and won the event with a state-best time of 53.23 at the Central Coast Section championships last month. After posting the top qualifying time in Friday's preliminaries, Adams surged ahead of Madison Mosby of St. Mary's Academy in Inglewood to win the race with a time of 53.24. Immediately afterward, Adams walked over to the wall in front of the stands and found her father, who reached down and handed her what he described as a 'small' fire extinguisher. She then walked back across the track into the grass, where she sprayed her cleats as if she was putting out a fire — a move her father said was a tribute to former U.S. sprinter Maurice Greene, who similarly celebrated his win in the 100 at the 2004 Home Depot Invitational in Carson. CIF officials apparently were not amused and disqualified Adams on the spot, awarding first place to Mosby. According to rules established by the National Federation of State High School Assns., 'unsporting conduct' is defined as behavior that includes but is not limited to 'disrespectfully addressing an official, any flagrant behavior, intentional contact, taunting, criticizing or using profanity directed toward someone.' The penalty is disqualification from the event in which the behavior took place and further competition in the meet. The CIF did not respond to a request for comment from The Times. According to David Adams, the officials 'were really nasty' toward his daughter. They 'tugged on her arm,' he said, 'they were screaming in her face. I could hear it from where I was at. I could see it — I couldn't hear exactly what they were saying, but they were just really nasty.' Clara Adams said she specifically asked the officials to speak with her father about the disqualification, but they refused. 'They kept telling me, 'It's OK,' and I was telling them, 'It's not OK,' and they didn't care,' she said. 'They were trying to smile in my face, like them telling me 'no' amused them or something.' David Adams said the officials would only speak to North Salinas head coach Alan Green, who declined to speak to The Times for this story. 'They told him that it was unsportsmanlike conduct,' David Adams said of the officials' discussion with Green. 'We were asking for the rule, the specific rule of what she did, and they didn't really give anything. It was more of a gray area that gives them discretion to pick and choose what they feel is unsportsmanlike conduct.' Adams disputes that his daughter behaved in a manner that could be considered unsportsmanlike. 'Looking at the film, Clara is nowhere near any opponent,' he said. 'She's off the track, on the grass. Her opponents are long gone off the track already, so she wasn't in their face. It was a father-daughter moment. ... She did it off the track because she didn't want to seem disrespectful toward nobody. And they still found a reason to take her title away. They didn't give her a warning or anything.' He added that his daughter is a 'very humble, really sweet kid.' 'I take responsibility for the situation. I'm taking full responsibility,' he said. 'Clara has run several championship races and won and walked off the track. It's just weird that she celebrates one time and now people, these strangers, these middle-aged people want to chase after her character?' Greene, the four-time Olympic medalist who inspired Clara's celebration, told KSBW-TV in Salinas that the CIF should reconsider its decision. 'If [the celebration] was away from everyone and not interfering with anyone, I would say reinstate her,' Greene said. David Adams said he is trying to make that happen but so far the CIF won't return his calls . 'We have an attorney on standby right now,' he said. 'I don't want to take it there, but I will fight this all the way. As long as I'm breathing I'm gonna fight it. But we're trying to go through proper channels to give the CIF an opportunity to do the right thing. Having an attorney involved is our last resort, that means we tried everything.'
