Woman Alleges Sexual Harrassment Against 'Sports Show'

Hairstylist Claims Unwanted Advances From Former NBA Star

A hairstylist with the "Best Damn Sports Show Period" is alleging sexual harassment by one of the show's hosts, and blaming others for not doing anything about it.

According to The Associated Press, Lisa Brescher, 29, has filed a sexual harassment suit in Los Angeles that claims host John Salley -- a former NBA star with the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls -- made unwelcome sexual advances against her.

In her complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Thursday, Brescher said she "was subjected to an environment of unrestrained sexual harassment" from the first day she started in August 2001

The suit also names News Corp., Fox Entertainment Group, Fox Sports Net and producer and another co-host, actor Tom Arnold. According to AP, Brescher alleges in the suit that Arnold said he "didn't care" when she told him about the alleged advances.

She also claims that Arnold branded her a "troublemaker" and banned her from the set, causing her "extreme anguish, severe humiliation, embarrassment and emotional distress."

But Arnold's publicist Staci Wolfe retaliated the claims Thursday, saying that the hairstylist was not allowed on the set because of her "continued arguing and excessive talking with other staff members." Wolfe also said her claims against her client are "specious and without merit."

Fox Sports Networks also balked at Brescher's suit, saying in a statement that an internal investigation could not corroborate any of her claims. Fox spokesman Lou D'Ermilio said in the statement, "Unfortunately, this is a case where a disgruntled worker thinks that there is money to be made by making outlandish accusations against a high-profile company and its stars."

According to the lawsuit, Brescher left the show on a disability claim in February, but it wasn't specified that the disability was related to the alleged harassment. She is seeking unspecified damages.

Copyright 2003 by Local6.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.