Basketball: New Zealand Breakers reportedly sign Golden State Warriors forward Anthony Lamb

Warning: this article discusses sexual assault and may be distressing for some readers.

Anthony Lamb has reportedly signed with the New Zealand Breakers for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBL season.

NBA writer Michael Scotto, of HoopsHype, says small forward Lamb had agreed to a deal, which includes an NBA opt-out clause. It comes as the Breakers prepare to play two games against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz.

Lamb, who played in 62 games for the Golden State Warriors last year, was accused of rape by a former University of Vermont student in a civil lawsuit brought by three former students against the university late last year. Lamb was not a defendant in the lawsuit and denies the allegations.

The plaintiffs in the suit are accusing university leadership of “deliberate indifference” to harassment between students, sexual assault, and drugging that they claim created a “discriminatory and sexually hostile environment in which female students faced a heightened risk of sexual assault and, once assaulted, lacked any meaningful avenue of redress”, documents filed with the United States District Court, District of Vermont, said.

Lamb was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit but was accused of sexually assaulting former Vermont swimmer Kendall Ware, one of the plaintiffs. The lawsuit alleges Lamb “forcefully anally penetrated” Ware despite her asking him to stop in 2019. Ware claims school officials mishandled her sexual assault report against Lamb and other employees “steered” her away from filing a formal complaint.

In a statement to the San Fransico Examiner, the Warriors said it did its due diligence with the NBA and Lamb’s prior teams before signing him. After that, a lawsuit was filed against the university. Lamb was not named as a defendant and denied the allegations, with the statement saying he had “always been fully cooperative regarding the alleged incident, and [has] welcomed any investigation into the matter”.

ESPN reports Lamb will replace Justinian Jessup, who is out indefinitely with a pelvic injury. Jessup will get a CT scan to determine the extent of the injury. While Lamb will initially join the Breakers as Jessup’s injury replacement, the plan is for Lamb to remain with the team for the entire season. He does, however, have an NBA out in the deal.

Lamb averaged 6.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game for the Warriors during the 2022-23 season as a rotation player. The team bowed out of the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

Where to get help:• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO (available 24/7)• Youth services: (06) 3555 906• Youthline: 0800 376 633• What’s Up: 0800 942 8787 (11am to11pm)• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155• Helpline: 1737If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

SEXUAL HARM

Where to get help: If it’s an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111. If you’ve ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7: • Call 0800 044 334 • Text 4334 • Email support@safetotalk.nz • For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list. If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it’s not your fault.

FAMILY VIOLENCE

How to get help: If you’re in danger now: • Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you. • Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you. • Take the children with you. Don’t stop to get anything else. • If you are being abused, remember it’s not your fault. Violence is never okay. Where to go for help or more information: • Women’s Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7) • Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7) • It’s Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450 • Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children. • Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7) • Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence • Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services • White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men’s violence towards women. How to hide your visit: If you are reading this information on the Herald website and you’re worried that someone using the same computer will find out what you’ve been looking at, you can follow the steps at the link here to hide your visit. Each of the websites above also has a section that outlines this process.

ANXIETY

Where to get help: • LIFELINE AOTEAROA: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7) • SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) • YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 • NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7) • KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) • WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) • DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202 • NATIONAL ANXIETY 24 HR HELPLINE: 0800 269 4389