Zion Williamson and the never-ending spiral of scandal: going to court for debt of $ 2 million
Zion Williamson, his stepfather and mother allegedly failed to pay $1.8 million in a $2 million loan from a California-based technology company.
According to an application filed in a court in New Orleans, Ankr PBC claims that it lent Williamson and family members the said amount in September 2021, an attempt to establish a relationship with the star. of the Pelicans.
The company, which specializes in blockchain-related technologies used in finance and data storage, said it once had a goal of making Zion its spokesperson.
The lawsuit also alleges that Williamson's stepfather and agent, Lee Anderson, demanded a $150,000 advance payment for the right to negotiate marketing contracts - something that has never happened.
"Based on Williamson's statements to Ankr, Ankr believes that Anderson has the authority to negotiate business-related agreements on behalf of Williamson," the lawsuit states.
Ankr also claims to have helped the New Orleans Pelicans star organize community events, hire personal trainers and private chefs.
The plaintiff said Mr. Anderson requested an emergency loan as the family made expensive investments in New Orleans real estate, while Zion failed to earn many commercial contracts because of the injury. The money was transferred through the account of Ms. Sharonda, Zion's mother.
Ankr side confirmed that the payment deadline is August 21, 2022, but after many extensions, they only received $25,000. That was the last straw that caused the technology company to find a legal solution.
In April, Ankr and Anderson signed a debt suspension agreement. The company has received $ 500,000, including 300,000 to compensate for the amount of interest and insurance. They were supposed to receive another $300,000 in early July, but the Zion family broke their promise again.
Zion just signed a five-year, $193 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, but he continues to have financial troubles. A player agency is also suing Williamson for $100 million for breaking the contract.
