Sampson sued by former roommate

[KoriEllis]

Sampson sued by former roommate

Associated Press


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Charlotte Bobcats center Jamal Sampson is being sued in California by a former roommate who alleges the NBA player assaulted him.

Christian Straughter claims in a lawsuit filed last month in Los Angeles County that the 6-foot-11, 235-pound center shoved and kicked him in a dispute over about $400 Straughter owed in rent and cable bills.

The suit claims that Straughter, a childhood friend of Sampson's who was staying with him at the time, suffered a concussion and other injuries in the Feb. 24 assault. He claims Sampson later threatened him to keep the alleged attack a secret.

"We are aware of the civil complaint brought against Jamal," Bobcats president Ed Tapscott said Wednesday. "We have talked at length with Jamal and his representatives and others about the situation. We cannot comment further until the judicial process is complete."

Sampson played for the Los Angeles Lakers last season. The Bobcats chose him in the NBA expansion draft in June.

Jerome Stanley, Sampson's agent, did not immediately return a call for comment Wednesday.

But he told The Charlotte Observer the suit was "a classic shakedown by a jealous former friend."

Stanley told the Observer there was a heated discussion between Sampson and Straughter, but denies that Sampson attacked or threatened Straughter.

"One party (Straughter) wouldn't leave and the other wanted him out," Stanley said. "No fight, no punches."

[SlayerMin]

His buddy must have been like the guy on the couch from the movie "Half-Baked."

[iminlakerland]

:tyson