Rick Brunson resigned from his post as assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, the team announced.
League sources confirmed to ESPN that the move came amid allegations of harassment of several women by Brunson. The Athletic first reported the allegations.
"Our entire organization -- made up of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Minnesota Lynx and Iowa Wolves -- is deeply committed to creating a safe work environment for our employees, partners and fans," the team said in a statement. "Our teams strive to have our actions reflect our values each and every day. We work to maintain high standards of conduct and expect our staff to lead by example. We did not believe Mr. Brunson's conduct was consistent with those standards."
Brunson's attorney, Alan Milstein, challenged the team's characterization.
"Contrary to erroneous reports, there have been no findings of any wrongdoing by Rick, as any proper investigation by the Timberwolves would have shown," Milstein said in a statement.
A source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN that one of the women allegedly harassed is a member of the media.
Brunson was acquitted on charges of attempted sexual assault in 2015. A judge in Illinois ruled that the state was unable to meet the burden of proof required to convict Brunson for the April 2014 incident. Brunson later told the Chicago Tribune that he had an ongoing extramarital affair with the woman.
Brunson joined Tom Thibodeau's staff in Minnesota before the 2016-17 season. Brunson also worked for Thibodeau when he coached the Bulls in Chicago.
Brunson, 45, played for eight NBA teams over a career than spanned from 1997 to 2006. He is the father of Villanova guard Jalen Brunson, college basketball's player of the year.
