by Charlie O. Mallonee
Sexual innuendo, police investigations, hush money, possible cover ups and political intrigue. No that is the latest plot line of the television show, “Scandal”. It is the latest plot line of allegations directed at Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.
On Sunday evening, the lead story on “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” was about Kevin Johnson and the allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior dating back 20 years. Real Sports is an investigative program that looks at various issues related to the sporting world and also profiles sports figures.
The investigative piece featured the stories of three women who have accused Johnson of unwanted sexual advances. One of the women is from the Phoenix area and her accusations date back to the time of Johnson’s playing days in the National Basketball Association.
The woman – who was 16-years old at the time – claims she saw Johnson as mentor before the NBA star changed the nature of the relationship. The woman went to the police who had her call Johnson in order to trap him into a confession. When that did not work, the investigation faded away.
Eventually, the woman and her family accepted a settlement for at least $200,000 in exchange for keeping the matter confidential. She now says accepting the money was a mistake. She also admits that money is now gone but claims she is speaking out because that is what should have happened 20-years ago.
The Real Sports story also features two young women who were students and then interns at the St. Hope Academy. Both claim that Johnson made unwanted sexual advances toward them.
Real Sports also focused on the stories of a former teacher and foundation employee at the St. Hope Academy and Foundation. They also claim to have knowledge of inappropriate sexual behavior by Johnson. Both individuals have resigned from their positions because of what they perceive as Johnson’s inappropriate actions.
The program also references a more recent incident where an employee in the Sacramento City Manger’s office claims Johnson made unwanted sexual advances toward her. That employee put in a claim to receive $200,000 from the City of Sacramento because of Johnson’s actions. The city council voted to deny that claim.
Real Sports implied that the city employee may have received payment from Johnson.
Johnson recently announced that he would not seek a third term as Mayor of Sacramento. There is nothing specific to connect the accusations and the decision not to run but the timing of the events is interesting.
The man who kept the Kings in Sacramento, spearheaded the building of an new arena, has been a champion of innovative education, was an up and coming political figure and will soon be a NBA Hall of Famer is now the subject of some very negative news reporting that cannot be helpful to his future and legacy.
Because Real Sports is an HBO program, it will be repeated by the network multiple times giving readers a chance to watch the reports and draw their own conclusions.
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