The Logo is not happy. NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West demanded a retraction and an apology for what he called “a baseless and malicious assault” on his character in the HBO series Winning Time. West’s legal team sent a letter to the network and producer Adam McKay Tuesday evening.
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In the letter, West’s lawyers allege that “Winning Time falsely and cruelly portrays Mr. West as an out-of-control, intoxicated rage-aholic,” which “bears no resemblance to the real man.” Further, West’s lawyers argue that HBO’s disclaimer that the series is a “dramatization” does not forgo their liability.
“Contrary to the baseless portrayal in the HBO series, Jerry had nothing but love for and harmony with the Lakers organization, and in particular owner Dr. Jerry Buss, during an era in which he assembled one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Jerry West was an integral part of the Lakers and NBA’s success. It is a travesty that HBO has knowingly demeaned him for shock value and the pursuit of ratings. As an act of common decency, HBO and the producers owe Jerry a public apology and at the very least should retract their baseless and defamatory portrayal of him.”
Winning Time is based on Jeff Pearlman’s book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s. However, West’s lawyers claim that many of the scenes depicting West’s rage did not appear in Pearlman’s book, nor did they happen at all. For example, in Winning Time, West opposes Jerry Buss’ decision to draft Magic Johnson over Sidney Moncrief, launching into several expletive-filled tirades. The show also implies West tried to sabotage the drafting of Magic.
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The letter also includes statements from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper, and several Lakers employees denying they ever saw West commit any of the malicious actions depicted.
“Instead of exploring issues with compassion as a way to better understand the man, they turn him into Wile E. Coyote to be laughed at,” said Abdul-Jabbar. “He never broke golf clubs. He didn’t throw his trophy through the window. Sure, those actions make dramatic moments, but they reek of facile exploitation of the inan rather than exploration of character.”
Additional comments from Mitch Kupchak and Claire Rothman reiterated these points. They claim West was a soft-spoken leader who did not like confrontation. HBO did not immediately respond or comment on West’s letter.
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Jerry West played for the Lakers from 1960 to 1974 before becoming their head coach. After a four-year stint in that position, West served as a Lakers executive for over twenty years. He then became the architect of the Grit ‘n’ Grind Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors dynasty. He won one championship as a player and eight as an executive.
“So instead of seeing the true Jerry West – a brilliant GM who was the architect of one of the great NBA dynasties – anyone who watched the show would be left with the false impression that West is incompetent, that he didn’t want Magic Johnson. This is a fabrication. You depict Jerry as a clueless bumpkin – wearing a fishing hat to practice, which also never happened – rather than a dedicated and capable GM.”
West’s legal actions were first reported by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
As always, be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! Lastly, in case you missed it, HBO Teases Shaq and Kobe Era Series for ‘Winning Time’ Season 2.
