Lakers' Center Investigated in Alleged Sex Assault

LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2006 — -- The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a report of an alleged sexual assault involving Lakers player Kwame Brown.

According to a police statement, Brown, the 6-11, 248-pound starting center for the Lakers, was being investigated over allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman early in the morning of April 29 in a hotel somewhere in the Los Angeles area. Investigators are not disclosing the name of the hotel, the location or a specific time of the alleged attack.

No charges have been filed and the investigation is in its initial stages, the LAPD told ABC News Radio.

The Los Angeles district attorney's office said the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division is handling the investigation. That division is appointed whenever a high-profile personality is involved.

Brown released a statement after news of the investigation broke, saying that he has done nothing wrong.

"I want to assure everyone that I am completely innocent of any wrongdoing and look forward to the truth coming out when this matter is fully investigated. However, on the advice of my attorney, I cannot comment further at this time," he said.

Brown, from Charleston, S.C., skipped college to go pro and was the first player to be drafted No. 1 overall straight out of high school when he was taken by the Washington Wizards in 2001.

He played four seasons for the Wizards before being traded to the Lakers in the off-season. His best season was 2003-04, when he averaged 10.9 points and 7.4 rebounds for Washington. He averaged 7.4 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Lakers during the regular season this year, but played better after moving into the starting lineup in place of the injured Chris Mihm.

He has boosted his game in the playoffs, averaging 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds to help the Lakers take a three games to two lead in their best-of-seven opening round series against the Phoenix Suns.