The Spurs shocked the NBA world on Oct. 28 when they announced they would waive 19-year-old guard Joshua Primo.
Primo was selected 12th overall by the Spurs in the 2021 NBA Draft but just four games into his sophomore season, San Antonio elected to cut ties with its lottery pick.
The news caught even some of the biggest names in NBA media by surprise, leaving everyone wondering why the Spurs would waive a young, developing player.
It was later reported by ESPN that Primo’s release “stemmed from multiple alleged instances of Primo exposing himself to women,” and more details were revealed in the ensuing days.
For more on why the Spurs waived Primo, The Sporting News has you covered below.
Why did the Spurs waive Joshua Primo?
On Oct. 28, the Spurs announced they have released Primo, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
The Spurs have waived guard Josh Primo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 28, 2022
This news came as a shock to everyone, as the 19-year-old had shown flashes during his rookie season and 2022-23 preseason. On the evening of Oct. 28, Spurs CEO RC Buford issued a statement on the situation and Primo, himself, submitted a statement to ESPN (See below).
The next day, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported that Primo’s release “stemmed from multiple alleged instances of Primo exposing himself to women.”
The Athletic’s Shams Charania added to that report, stating that “a former Spurs female employee has alleged that guard Josh Primo exposed himself to her.”
Charania also mentioned that the employee would be hiring attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the women in the sexual misconduct lawsuits against NFL star quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Statement from Spurs on Joshua Primo
Spurs CEO RC Buford
“It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interest of both the organization and Joshua.”
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich
Popovich declined to comment on the situation.
Statement from Joshua Primo
Prior to more details being released on the situation, Primo issued this statement to ESPN.
Josh Primo statement to ESPN in the aftermath of his release from the Spurs tonight: pic.twitter.com/H1n3k3IIcn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 29, 2022
What did Joshua Primo’s accuser say during press conference?
On Nov. 1, local San Antonio news station KENS5 received an email from Buzbee’s law firm announcing that Buzbee and his client, Spurs consulting psychologist Dr. Hillary Cauthen, will hold a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 3 to answer questions about the allegations on Primo.
“The Buzbee Law Firm represents former San Antonio Spurs consulting psychologist Dr. Hillary Cauthen. At the conference, Tony Buzbee will discuss allegations made by Dr. Cauthen and others against NBA player Josh Primo, the events that precipitated the release of Primo, the veracity of recent public statements made by both the Spurs organization and Primo, interactions with individuals within the San Antonio Spurs organization, and the expected path forward. Dr. Cauthen will be present to make a public statement and answer pertinent questions. No proprietary information will be shared at the conference. HIPPA restrictions will be observed.”
Check back for updates following the press conference.
Joshua Primo contract
Earlier in October, the Spurs exercised the third-year option on Primo’s contract. According to Spotrac, he earned $3.95 million as a rookie and $4.14 million for the 2022-23 season.
According to Charania, the Spurs still owe Primo $8.4 million over the next two years despite his release and clearing waivers.
As this is a developing story, The Sporting News will continue to provide updates as they become available.
