WASHINGTON, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A former sports reporter has filed a lawsuit in which she accuses new Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton of sexually assaulting her when he was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, local media reported on Tuesday.

Kelli Tennant, who worked as a sports reporter in Los Angeles, filed the lawsuit Monday alleging that the incident occurred at the Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica. Walton was a Warriors assistant from 2014 to 2016.

In a brief statement, the Kings said they "are aware of the report and are gathering additional information".

After his stay at Golden State, Walton went on to become head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Walton was dismissed by the Lakers this month and hired by the Kings.