Jerry West demanded a retraction and public apology from HBO and “Winning Time” producer Adam McKay for their “baseless and defamatory portrayal” of West in the television series.
“Winning Time falsely and cruelly portrays Mr. West as an out-of-control, intoxicated rage-aholic,” alleged Skip Miller, West’s attorney at Miller Barondess LLP law firm in Los Angeles.
HBO did not respond to comments.
A letter sent on behalf of West demanded a retraction within two weeks of the its receipt. The letter also included statements from former players and employees, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Mitch Kupchak.
“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 man rather than exploration of character,” said Abdul-Jabbar in a statement.
Others denied they ever saw West act with rage or drink alcohol as portrayed in the series.
“I never saw or heard Jerry lose his temper with anyone. I also never saw or heard Jerry go on an angry rant or tirade nor did I ever see or hear Jerry scream or yell at anyone. That was not his personality,” added Kupchak.
