Former NBA star Ray Allen has found himself in the middle of a bizarre “he said, he said” legal fight that has called his sexuality into question.
After claiming that he had been catfished by Bryant Coleman, a staff member in the communications department at the University of Central Florida, Ray dismissed claims that he is a stalker. Coleman, however, says the two had a romantic relationship.
Now the two men are in the midst of a court battle.
Coleman says that Allen’s side of the story, that Coleman catfished him and pretended to be a woman in order to get “private information,” is not true.
Coleman says that Allen offered the info as well as pictures and videos knowing that Coleman was a man. He also said their relationship began several years ago.
“[Ray’s] account of our relationship is false,” Coleman stated.
“Ray knows how I look, he knows how my voice sounds, he knows how I think, and most importantly, he knows my heart.
“However, because of confidentially considerations, I am not in a position to provide a more detailed response to Mr. Allen’s false and salacious claims. I will rely on the courts to protect me against Mr. Allen’s violent threats and false accusations.”
What he meant by “violent threats” is not clear but Coleman has gotten a restraining order after claiming that he was being stalked by Allen.
“Mr. Coleman’s statement would be funny if it wasn’t so crazy,” Ray’s attorney said.
“There has never been and never will be a relationship or friendship between Ray Allen and Mr. Coleman. They have never met and never have spoken.
“Ray obviously hasn’t threatened anyone. Any statement or inference otherwise is a complete fabrication. Ray wants nothing to do with Mr. Coleman, who obviously has some serious issues with understanding the difference between fact and fantasy.”