by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Bee Newspaper and other area media outlets are reporting a lawsuit has been filed against the Sacramento Kings ownership group. Darius Anderson believes he should have been included in that ownership group.

Anderson is described in the lawsuit as a businessman and political advisor. The lawsuit goes on to describe in detail Anderson’s involvement in keeping the Kings in Sacramento after the Maloof’s declared their intention to move the franchise.

Anderson worked with investor Ron Burkle to assemble an investor group. Burkle brought in Mark Mastrov. Mastrov was instrumental in bringing Vivek Ranadive into the potential ownership group. Both Mastrov and Ranadive were minority owners of the Golden State Warriors.

Burkle appeared to be the lead investor and would manage the purchase of the team. Burkle then suddenly dropped out of the group when it was revealed he owns a company that represents several NBA players.

That left Mastrov, Ranadive and Anderson, so thought Anderson. When the purchase was made final, Anderson was not included in the group. Anderson believes he should have been included and that is why he bringing suit.

Anderson is suing the Kings for compensatory damages, punitive damages and a share of ownership in the team.

The Sacramento Bee reported an official response from the Kings:

Kings spokeswoman Laura Braden called the suit disappointing and said Anderson has already made money from his effort. That occurred when Anderson and his partners sold Downtown Plaza, site of the new Kings arena, to the team last year for a $15 million profit.

“Mr. Anderson and his partners made a considerable profit on the final sale of … Downtown Plaza,” Braden said in a text message. “This is a frivolous lawsuit seeking even more money, and we feel confident it’ll be dismissed in short order.”

Sports Radio Service will continue to follow the story as it unfolds.