Moon taking leave, says lawsuit claims are ‘meritless’

Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon says claims in a lawsuit alleging he sexually harassed a female employee at his sports marketing company are “meritless.”

The suit, which was filed Monday in Orange County, Calif., names Moon and Sports 1 Marketing as defendants.

Wendy Haskell, a former executive assistant to Moon at Sports 1 Marketing, alleges in the lawsuit that Moon required her to wear skimpy lingerie, share his bed during business trips and made unwanted sexual advances.

Haskell also alleges in the documents that Moon grabbed her crotch while she was sleeping on a recent business trip in Seattle.

Moon says he hasn’t been served with the lawsuit, but he is aware of the claims and denies them.

“Mr. Moon contends these claims are meritless and he has every intention to vigorously defend himself in court,” said a statement from Moon’s lawyer Daniel Fears.

The statement said Moon has requested a temporary leave of absence from his duties as a Seattle Seahawks broadcaster.

“Mr. Moon recognizes that his duties as a commentator on the Seattle Seahawks radio network will be impacted as he defends himself against these claims,” the statement said.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

The Canadian Press does not normally name alleged victims of sexual assault, but Fitzgerald & Isaacson, the law firm representing Haskell, said its client had agreed to go public.

Sports 1 Marketing did not respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit claims Haskell reported Moon’s behaviour to CEO David Meltzer, but the company did not investigate her claims. Haskell claims she was demoted after making the complaints.